Asthma Treatment
Asthma is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the lung airways, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Asthma can be induced by a variety of triggers including exercise, cold weather, or exposure to allergens.
Diagnosis of asthma is based on symptoms, physical exam findings, and pulmonary function testing. Your ENT provider may wish to perform a test called spirometry which is a type of pulmonary function test . For this test, you breathe into a small device which measures airflow and lung volume. The data can be used to determine the presence and severity of lung obstruction.
We can also work with you to develop a personalized asthma action plan. This may involve elimination of triggers and adherence to appropriate asthma medications. In some patients whose asthma is induced by allergic triggers, allergy testing and immunotherapy may be indicated. Getting control of your asthma will help relieve symptoms, help you maintain good lung function, reduce the need for rescue medications, and ideally help prevent asthma attacks which can result in emergency room visits. Prevention and long-term control are key in the treatment of asthma.
For more information on asthma and treatment options, call Northwest ENT & Allergy at (503) 513-8693.
