Asthma

Shortness of breath stemming from asthma is something you don’t have to live with anymore. At Richmond Primary Care Specialists in the Prince’s Bay neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City, skilled medical specialists diagnose and treat asthma to make breathing easier. Schedule an asthma evaluation at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic (ongoing) condition that affects your airways, causing them to swell, make extra mucus, and cause difficulty breathing. Mild forms of asthma are simply a nuisance, but more extreme cases can be debilitating and even life-threatening. If you struggle to breathe deeply, see the Richmond Primary Care Specialists experts for an asthma evaluation. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma can cause the following symptoms:

• Wheezing (a whistling sound)
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty exercising

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. They may appear while exercising, when you’re ill, or when exposed to cold, dry air or a respiratory virus. Asthma symptoms tend to worsen due to allergens, gasses, dust, chemical fumes, or workplace irritants. 

What may increase the risk of asthma?

It’s not entirely clear why some people develop asthma while others don’t, but the cause likely involves a combination of genetics and your environment. Risk factors include a family history of asthma, allergies, being a smoker, secondhand smoke exposure, being overweight, or exposure to pollution. 

How does a specialist diagnose asthma?

Diagnosing asthma involves a discussion of your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, allergy testing, and lung function tests. Richmond Primary Care Specialists offers spirometry and other tests that assess lung function while you breathe. Your provider may also order a chest X-ray or other imaging procedures. 

How is asthma treated?

Treating asthma typically involves taking medications, getting treated for allergies, or using an inhaler. You might receive allergy shots, avoid allergens, use an air purifier in your home, prevent mold spores in your bathrooms, reduce dust and pet dander, and clean your home often to reduce airborne irritants.

Carry an inhaler with you at all times, especially when exercising, to reduce the chance of a life-threatening asthma attack. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, and maintain an ideal body weight by eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly. 

Follow up with the Richmond Primary Care Specialists team to ensure your asthma treatment plan is effective, and call the office at any time with questions. 

Schedule an asthma evaluation at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.