Asthma can affect people of all ages. Here is some information that we provide to patients in the office.
Asthma is a very common disease, about 15 million people suffer from asthma at some point in their lives. Asthma often starts in childhood, but can also start in adulthood. The word “asthma” is derived from a Greek word meaning “to pant”. It is a chronic obstructive lung disease in which the muscles lining the bronchial tubes contract in response to inhaled irritants...
Allergy to allergens and irritants are important causes of allergic/asthma symptoms. When exposure to irritants can be avoided, symptoms and attacks can be prevented and medications reduced...
Inhalers are most commonly used to treat asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. When inhaled properly into the lungs, they cause the muscles lining the airways to relax, thereby improving shortness of breath or wheezing. They act quickly (within 2-5 minutes) and usually last 4 hours...