Asthma

About 25 million people in the United States have asthma, a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation in the airways. The providers at Stanton Family Clinic diagnose and help manage asthma in patients in Stanton, Kentucky. Call today or use the online tool to learn more about the asthma care offered.

What is asthma?

Asthma causes inflammation in the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. The inflammation causes the muscles around the airways to constrict, making breathing hard. Your lungs may also be sensitive to irritants and allergens, triggering asthma symptoms.

Asthma is a chronic condition without a cure. Symptoms, however, vary from mild to severe. When asthma goes unmanaged, your symptoms worsen over time. 

What symptoms suggest I have asthma?

Asthma symptoms may show up as:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing sound when exhaling
• Chest tightness and pain
• Difficulty sleeping due to coughing 

Asthma symptoms may be present all the time or only show up at certain times, such as when you’re exposed to allergens or exercise. 

Even mild symptoms require long-term medical management to discourage asthma attacks and prevent the worsening of symptoms. 

What causes asthma?

Researchers aren’t fully certain what causes asthma, but it’s likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. 

Common environmental triggers include: 

• Respiratory infection like the flu or COVID-19
• Physical activity
• Cold air
• Airborne allergens like dust, pollen, and grass
• Pet dander
• Smoke or other air pollutants
• Stress
• Medications

The team at Stanton Family Clinic can help you determine your personal triggers so you can avoid them and head off asthma symptoms and attacks. 

What can I expect during an asthma evaluation?

When you come in to see the experts at Stanton Family Clinic for an asthma evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive exam. The full-service practice cares for patients of all ages, including children. 

During your evaluation, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical and family histories, and conducts a physical exam. They may also administer various tests to assess your lung function and allergy testing to determine if allergies are triggering your symptoms.

How do you treat asthma?

The team at Stanton Family Clinic creates a personalized asthma management plan based on your medical history, asthma triggers, and symptoms. 

Your doctor may recommend long-term asthma control medications, allergy medications, and short-acting rescue inhalers. 

The team also helps you determine your asthma triggers so you can avoid them as much as possible. 

Learn more about how Stanton Family Clinic can help you manage your asthma. Call the office today or use the online tool to book an appointment.