Asthma can cause alarming attacks during which it’s hard to breathe. At his New York City practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, experienced pulmonologist Barry J Weinberg, MD, has a state-of-the-art pulmonary function testing facility where he can assess your asthma. With his expert help, you can manage your condition and minimize attacks. To find out how you can live well with asthma, call the office of Barry J Weinberg, MD, today or book an appointment online.
Asthma is a condition of the lungs that triggers breathing difficulties. It often begins during childhood and persists into adulthood. The cause is inflammation that results in swelling and narrowing of the airways, so it’s harder to draw breath.
Asthma attack symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough. These symptoms develop because of triggers such as:
Some people only have attacks when they exercise. This form of the disease is called exercise-induced asthma. Around 50% of cases involve allergic asthma. In which case, your triggers will be allergens that you breathe in, such as pollen, dust, molds, and pet dander.
There is no cure for asthma yet, so treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Dr. Weinberg offers:
Medications for asthma include inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers. These medicines help to reduce airway inflammation.
Biologics use natural substances to address the cause of your asthma. For instance, the biologic medication omalizumab works by binding with a specific antibody in your bloodstream. The antibody is then incapable of triggering an inflammatory response in your airways, so you avoid an asthma attack.
An inhaler is a hand-held device that contains a bronchodilator medication. The bronchodilator helps your airways open up when you have an asthma attack. Using the inhaler should provide quick relief of asthma attack symptoms. You should keep your inhaler with you at all times and also have spares in case one runs out.
For expert help with asthma management, call Barry J Weinberg, MD, today or book an appointment online.