Asthma
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Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice
Pulmonologist located in Monaca, PA and servicing Beaver, PA
If you’re one of the 25 million Americans who struggle to breathe because of asthma, you can find comprehensive care at Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice in Monaca, Pennsylvania. Benjamin A. Laracuente, MD, a pulmonary disease specialist, offers the latest diagnostic technologies to evaluate your lung function and better understand your condition. You can expect a customized treatment plan that focuses on quickly easing symptoms and preventing future asthma attacks. If you need help managing your chronic asthma, schedule a consultation online or by phone today.
Asthma Q & A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that impacts your ability to breathe. The condition involves the inflammation and narrowing of your airways that carry air to and from your lungs. With narrowed airways and increased mucus production, you may experience frequent shortness of breath or an asthma attack, where you struggle to take in enough air.
There are several factors that can trigger asthma-related breathing problems that affect both children and adults. These factors may include exposure to common allergens, like dust or pollen. Other common asthma triggers include:
- Strong smells
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental irritants
- Exercise
- Exposure to cold air
Your risk for asthma may increase if you have a family history of the condition. Many people develop asthma in early childhood and continue to experience asthma-related breathing issues for the rest of their lives.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
You may experience mild to life-threatening asthma symptoms depending on your asthma triggers and your overall respiratory health. The most common symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
If you have severe asthma, an intense asthma attack may become a medical emergency that requires a call to 911 or treatment at the nearest emergency room.
How is asthma treated?
While asthma isn’t curable, with the experienced guidance of the Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice you can manage asthma symptoms to keep your condition well-controlled.
Your provider may perform a series of pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, to evaluate how much air you can move in and out of your lungs in a certain period of time. Based on the results of your testing, your doctor creates a treatment plan to address your symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
There are several treatment options for chronic asthma, including inhaled “rescue” medications to quickly relax your airways and help you breathe during an asthma attack. The Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice team also works closely with you to find the right dosage of preventive medicines to deter future asthma attacks. They continue to monitor your condition and focus on protecting your overall lung function and respiratory health.
If you struggle with asthma-related breathing issues, don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation. You can call Tristate Pulmonary Medical Practice today or request a consultation online now.
