Asthma is a chronic symptom of the lungs in which your airways constrict, limiting the free flow of oxygen and causing difficulty breathing.
Sometimes, an asthma attack is triggered by an environmental trigger, while other times, there may be no explanation. Asthma, even if well-controlled, can sometimes result in unexpected and unpredictable flare-ups that may be difficult to control.
Whether you have received a diagnosis of asthma or are at risk for it, the following are some signs for which you should see an asthma doctor.
You Have Asthma Symptoms Without Asthma Diagnosis
Though asthma is thought to be a childhood disease, it can be developed at any stage of life. This is especially true for people exposed to many things that compromise the functioning of their lungs, including allergens, toxins, fumes, and second or third-hand smoke.
If you haven’t received a diagnosis of asthma but are having the following symptoms, you should see an asthma specialist.
- Persistent or reoccurring cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Increased mucus production
- Difficulty breathing during exercise or physical activity.
Your Asthma Symptoms are Worsening
If you have asthma, it’s important that you see your doctor at least once a year and more often if you often experience an asthma flare-up. An asthma flare-up occurs when you come in contact with an asthma trigger.
In an instance of an asthma flare-up, use an inhaler prescribed by your asthma doctor, but if your symptoms become severe, for example, your wheezing is getting worse, your nostril flare each time you breathe air in, and you can’t talk and feel faint and week, call 911 for emergency medical aid.
Worsening asthma symptoms may be an indicator of lung disease. So, when your symptoms come under control after a severe attack, see your asthma doctor and inform them about your flare-up.
You Noticed a New Asthma Symptom
Usually, people with asthma have obvious symptoms that may resemble many respiratory infections.
It is very likely that you may not experience all the symptoms with every asthma attack and may have different symptoms at different times (if you have chronic asthma).
More often than not, people with asthma know their early warning signs and act promptly to reduce the severity of their attack. But sometimes, new asthma symptoms may emerge, and the patient may not know how to deal with them.
So, if new asthma symptoms crop up, it’s best to see an asthma doctor and learn how to manage your new symptoms timely.
Asthma Doctor in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Plainfield, IL
If you or your loved one have the aforementioned signs, see our board-certified asthma doctor at Oak Brook Allergists. In our team, we have highly trained and experienced asthma doctors who will provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that will effectively manage your asthma of all types, whether allergic or non-allergic.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our asthma specialists, call our staff today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient online request form.