FAQs About Curing Asthma

The 3 common types of asthma are allergic asthma, nocturnal asthma, and exercise-induced asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by inhaling allergens such as pollen or dust that are common allergy triggers and found in the air. Some patients develop allergic asthma in the winter or other cold seasons when they are spending less time outside and more time inside with a reduced amount of fresh air. Nocturnal asthma is the most common type of asthma.

The symptoms of nocturnal asthma are most prominent at night, as suggested by the name. Patients often wake up suffering chest pain and coughing. Nocturnal asthma is often caused by allergies, a reclined position, cooling of the airway, or hormone cycles. Exercise-induced asthma is caused by physical exertion, with common symptoms including coughing and wheezing. Exercise-induced asthma causes a narrowing of the airway as a result of exercise and causes difficulty breathing.

Inhalers are the most common asthma treatment. There are several types of inhalers, with some used to relieve symptoms when they arise and others to prevent the development of symptoms. Some patients require inhalers that do both and offer relief of symptoms as well as prevention.

Relief inhalers are commonly used to treat symptoms when they arise and should provide effective relief of symptoms in a matter of minutes. Relief inhalers have minimal side effects but they occasionally cause a fast heartbeat or shaking, briefly after use.

Preventer inhalers are used every day to reduce inflammation and sensitivity in your airways to stop symptoms of asthma from occurring. On a preventer inhaler, patients must use the inhaler even when symptoms are not occurring. Preventer inhalers do not usually have side effects but can sometimes cause a sore throat, a hoarse voice, or a fungal infection. Combination inhalers combine elements of relief and preventer inhalers. They are used every day to prevent symptoms and offer swift relief if they do occur. The potential side effects are similar to those experienced with a relief inhaler or a preventer inhaler.

Some patients take oral medications if an inhaler alone isn’t sufficient in treating symptoms. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) are the primary medications used to treat asthma and they are taken every day to prevent symptoms. LTRAs are available as tablets, powders, and syrups. Theophylline is another tablet taken every day to control symptoms. If other treatments are not controlling symptoms, steroids may be recommended.

There is currently no cure for asthma but there are a variety of treatments to ensure asthmatics live an active and comfortable life. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan for asthma treatment that works the best for you. They will provide you with information about your medication and assist with the monitoring of your condition.

Asthma can also be controlled naturally through lifestyle changes. Exercise increases lung function and lung capacity. A healthy diet makes breathing easier and alleviates asthma symptoms. Meditation helps reduce anxiety which is a major cause of breathing distress.

Individuals have unique triggers for what causes or worsens asthma, however, there are several common factors including air pollution, exposure to cold air, dry weather, exposure to tobacco, as well as genetic and environmental factors.

Dr. Jon E. Stahlman, MD, and the team at the Allergy and Asthma Center offer a family-friendly clinic servicing patients of all ages located in central Atlanta. Allergy and Asthma Center doctors and allergy specialists have years of experience providing an accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and offering flexible hours. The Allergy and Asthma Center helps families find relief from allergies and asthma, offering a professional and safe environment. With a little help from a specialist, people with allergies and asthma can live unburdened by their condition. The Allergy and Asthma Center diagnoses and treats patients to ensure they live a healthy and active life. We serve patients from Lawrenceville GA, Atlanta GA, Conyers GA, Suwanee GA, Duluth GA, Grayson GA, Decatur GA, Brookhaven GA, Lithonia GA and Covington GA.