Pulmonary Conditions & Diseases: Asthma & Allergy
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, where the bronchial tubes (airways) become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult. Commonly triggers can cause an “asthma attack” where patients develop worsening signs and symptoms due to underlying irritants. Often, asthma and allergies coincide with each other.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest tightness
What are the risk factors and triggers?
- Allergens: Pollen, Dust mites, Mold, Pets, Food, Occupational exposures (example: latex)
- Irritants: Common Colds, Bronchitis
- Drugs: Aspirin, NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory diseases), Beta Blockers
- Tobacco Smoke
- Outdoor Weather (smog, humidity)
- Uncontrolled GERD (heartburn)
- Exercise
- Family History
How is it diagnosed?
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Peak Flow measurements
- Chest X-ray
- IgE Blood Test level
- Allergy Testing to rule out an allergy component
- Methacholine Challenge Study (not always needed
What is the Treatment?
Once asthma has been diagnosed, our board-certified pulmonologists will develop a specific treatment plan for each individual patient. Most commonly, patients with asthma will be placed on both a rescue inhaler and a maintenance inhaler to prevent asthma attacks from occurring. There is a high prevalence of both asthma and allergies.
Therefore, all patients are properly screened for allergies by our board-certified specialist, and if needed, specific allergy testing may be completed during the office visit. Piedmont Physicians Georgia Lung provides a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient, including counseling, allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots), medication education and routine office visits to ensure each patient’s health.
What are the benefits of diagnosis and treatment?
Patients with well-controlled asthma and allergies lead a much more productive life. Our goal at Piedmont Physicians Georgia Lung is to provide the best care for each individual patient.