Asthma

More than 25 million Americans have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With a team of skilled physicians and asthma specialists, Primary Care of Venice in Venice, Florida, has the expertise and dedication to provide the highest quality care and support to ensure you can lead a healthy and active life despite this chronic condition. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward managing asthma effectively.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that inflames the airways and restricts breathing. It can also cause your airways to fill with mucus, leading to potentially severe symptoms that can affect your daily function and quality of life. Understanding your asthma triggers and the severity of your condition is essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

What are the main red flags of asthma?

Asthma affects every person differently. While some people experience persistent symptoms that require ongoing treatment, others have specific triggers that cause flare-ups. Common signs of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Increased mucus production
• Difficulty sleeping

Exercise, cold weather, stress, and certain allergens (pollen, pet dander, dust mites, etc.) can cause worsening asthma symptoms.

Can asthma go away on its own?

Asthma typically doesn’t go away, but symptoms can subside over time. Children are more likely to outgrow asthma than adults. However, even when symptoms improve or become less frequent, working closely with your health care provider is crucial to managing the condition effectively and preventing flare-ups.

Can asthma develop suddenly?

You can develop asthma as an adult even with no previous history of the condition or its symptoms. Adult-onset asthma typically occurs due to allergen exposure. While anybody can develop this condition, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Being a woman
• Having allergies
• Smoking or vaping
• Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If you experience sudden signs of asthma, the experienced physicians at Primary Care of Venice can evaluate your condition thoroughly to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for your unique needs.

I have asthma. What are my treatment options?

Effective asthma treatment involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. At Primary Care of Venice, your physician works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that caters to your unique symptoms, needs, and goals. Treatments for asthma may include:

• Quick-relief inhalers
• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs)
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Allergy management
• Regular exercise
• Stress management
• Trigger avoidance
• Smoking cessation

Regular monitoring and lung function tests are integral parts of your asthma management plan that can help manage your condition and ensure your symptoms remain under control.

Call Primary Care of Venice today or schedule an appointment online to receive expert guidance and asthma management.