ASTHMA
About 25 million Americans have asthma, a chronic, inflammatory respiratory condition with symptoms that may range from mild and intermittent to requiring multiple medications with frequent hospitalizations and the use of emergency treatment for survival. Dr. Sulieman has provided therapy for the whole range of asthma patients over the last several decades, and continues to provide care using the latest treatment options for asthma. To make an appointment, discuss it with your physician and call the office in Kaneohe, Hawaii, or click the online booking feature today.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory disease of airway inflammation compromising your lung function and breathing due to airway spasm and constriction and excessive mucus production. For some people, it’s a minor annoyance with limited and infrequent occurrence. While for others, their asthma produces daily symptoms requiring multiple and frequent use of medications, and has a significant impact on daily living. Fortunately, for most asthma patients, their symptoms are not of the greatest severity and there is no regular pattern of progression from mild to severe disease.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty talking
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Frequent infections, like the common cold or pneumonia
What causes asthma?
Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes asthma, but several factors may contribute, including environmental and genetic factors. For example, if you have family members with asthma, you’re more likely to experience the condition as well.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Asthma is most frequently a clinical diagnosis, your medical history, symptoms and physical exam establishing the diagnosis. Additionally, breathing tests that measure your lung function (pulmonary function tests – PFTs) sometimes are obtained. During these studies, medications may be given to “challenge” the patient to have symptoms, producing wheezing and chest tightness, further suggesting the diagnosis. There are now blood tests looking for specific types of cells associated with the allergic reaction of asthma and now with medications specifically developed to reduce that inflammation.
How is asthma treated?
Dr. Jamil Sulieman’s treatment of asthma includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, and prescription medication. After he determines the severity of your asthma, the recommendations may include some combination of the various asthma medications specific to your symptoms and response to treatment.
To explore additional diagnostic studies and treatment discuss it with your physician and make an appointment at The Sleep Lab by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
