Are you having trouble sleeping due to late-night asthma attacks? Does your asthma often interfere with your productivity and your ability to live a normal life? You’re not alone. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that asthma affects approximately 1 in 12 Americans.
If you or your child is suffering from sudden attacks that affect your breathing, it’s time for a checkup with your primary care physician to help treat it and keep it under control. A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening as it interferes with your ability to breathe.
What Is Asthma?
Many people who have asthma do not know they have it, especially since the disease shares symptoms with a host of respiratory problems like emphysema and bronchitis. Asthma is a common chronic disorder that affects the lungs.
During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, which causes airway muscles to contract. This reduces the air flowing in and out of the lungs, which manifests in symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
How Primary Physicians Help Keep Asthma Under Control
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule a visit with your primary care doctor. As generalists who are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases, primary care physicians play an essential role in maintaining your overall health and well-being. This includes diagnosing and treating asthma to relieve your symptoms and avoid flare-ups.
To diagnose asthma, your doctor will review your medical history and may conduct laboratory tests. Asthma has no cure, but your primary care physician will explain how you can keep it under control and how to administer any medication they may prescribe.
What Causes Asthma?
You will want to identify the triggers that cause your asthma to flare up or worsen. Triggers are different for everyone, but dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and tobacco smoke are some of the most common. It’s best to identify what triggers your asthma so that you can minimize or eliminate contact.
Depending on the severity of your asthma, your doctor will likely prescribe a mix of long-term control and quick-relief medications. Some of these include inhaled corticosteroids, short-acting beta agonists, theophylline, and oral corticosteroids.
These medications are designed to help you have fewer and milder attacks and to reduce symptoms. Using your prescribed medicines correctly, in accordance with your treatment regimen, can help prevent future attacks.
Primary care doctors know how to craft a personal asthma action plan based on your unique medical profile. Because asthma is a chronic disease, this long-term plan is a useful guide on what triggers to avoid, when and how to take medication, what to do during asthma attacks, how to monitor the disease, and when to seek emergency assistance if necessary.
Asthma Treatment in Northern New Jersey
With regular checkups, you can effectively control your asthma. Sticking to your treatment plan and working hand-in-hand with your primary care physician goes a long way in keeping asthma at bay.
Asthma shouldn’t stop you from living your best life. Here at Hudson MD Group, we make sure to get you the personalized help you need through our healthcare centers across northern New Jersey. Our primary and specialty care physicians are ready to resolve your medical concerns and keep you on the path of health and wellness.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (973) 705-4914 or send us a message online now. We look forward to being your primary care partner!
