Asthma
Asthma Specialist in Colorado
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed, narrow, and extra sensitive. This can make breathing difficult and cause symptoms that come and go. Asthma affects both children and adults and can range from mild to severe.
Asthma is manageable, and most people can live full, active lives with the right treatment plan.
Common Symptoms:
Asthma symptoms may occur daily, weekly, or only with triggers. These can include:
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Shortness of breath
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Wheezing
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Chest tightness
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Coughing (often worse at night or early morning)
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Difficulty exercising or keeping up with activity
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma often develops from a combination of genetics and environment. Common contributors include:
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Allergies (dust, pollen, animals, mold)
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Respiratory infections
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Exposure to smoke or air pollution
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Cold air
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Exercise
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Stress or strong emotions
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Occupational exposures (chemicals, fumes)
Asthma Triggers
Triggers vary from person to person. Common triggers include:
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Colds or viral infections
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Allergens (dust mites, pets, pollen)
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Tobacco smoke
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Perfumes, cleaning sprays, strong odors
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Exercise
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Weather changes
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Air pollution
Identifying and avoiding triggers is a key part of asthma control.
How Is Asthma Diagnosed?
Your clinician may use:
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Symptom history
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Spirometry (breathing test)
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Allergy testing (if appropriate)
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Peak flow measurements to monitor breathing at home
Treatments offered:
1. Controller Medications
Used daily to keep asthma under control.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (reduce airway inflammation)
- Combination inhalers (Inhaled corticosteroids-Long acting beta agonists)
- Leukotriene modifiers
Controller medications help prevent symptoms and flare-ups.
2. Rescue Medications
Taken as needed for quick relief.
- Short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol)
- These relax airway muscles to open the airways fast.
3. Biologic Therapies
For moderate to severe asthma not controlled with inhalers, biologic injections may target underlying inflammation.
4. Allergy Management
May include allergy medications, nasal sprays, or immunotherapy for patients with allergic asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Asthma Action Plan?
An asthma action plan helps patients know:
- What medicines to take daily
- What to do when symptoms worsen
- How to recognize an emergency
It typically uses green, yellow, and red zones based on symptoms or peak flow.
Is there a relationship between asthma and sleep?
Asthma symptoms can be worse at night. Poor sleep may also signal uncontrolled asthma or overlapping sleep apnea. Consider a sleep evaluation if you snore, wake unrefreshed, or have nighttime symptoms.