Asthma

Relief from Asthma Symptoms

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Asthma is a chronic complex condition that, if not treated properly, can lead to significant respiratory complications and negatively impact quality of life. New therapies now exist for severe and uncontrolled asthma patients. These medicines target specific types of asthma that are diagnosed by asthma specialists. Our medical professionals at Oak Brook Allergists will get you on the right treatment program so that you and your loved ones can enjoy a healthy, active, symptom-free life.

Asthma is
a chronic,
complex
condition

Asthma occurs when your airways become inflamed and obstructed, making it difficult to breathe. At the same time, extra mucus is produced, and the bronchial muscles begin to tighten. This inflammation most often develops as the result of exposure to environmental allergens.

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Symptoms include:

  • Labored breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness or pressure
  • Chronic cough
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping

In severe cases, asthma can lead to life-threatening complications such as a lung infection (pneumonia) or collapse and respiratory failure.

Asthma can begin at any age, but it most often first occurs in childhood – before the age of 5. When it occurs later in life, it is called adult-onset asthma.

Asthma Triggers

Many different triggers can activate asthma symptoms, including exercise, respiratory infections, cold air, heat, acid reflux, and even stress. Often, the same things that cause an allergic reaction can also trigger asthma symptoms, including pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pet dander, smoke, chemicals, and air pollution. Many people with asthma have more than one trigger.

At Oak Brook Allergists, we treat all types of asthma, including:

  • Adult-onset asthma
  • Allergic asthma (often associated with hay fever and eczema)
  • Childhood asthma
  • Cough-variant asthma
  • Eosinophilic asthma
  • Exercise-induced asthma
  • Occupational asthma

Diagnosing & Treating Asthma

The first step to finding the right asthma treatment for you is performing an assessment, including a thorough physical exam and detailed health history.

Knowing and understanding your asthma triggers is essential to formulating your customized care plan. That’s why allergy testing and pulmonary function testing are usually considered a part of your initial assessment.

After you are properly diagnosed and your asthma triggers are identified, your treatment options will be reviewed. Most often, this involves some combination of the following medications that open up the airways:

  • Rescue inhalers (e.g., albuterol) that immediately treat asthma symptoms
  • Control inhalers (e.g., steroids) that help prevent asthma symptoms
  • Immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots) for allergic asthma to change the way your body reacts to allergens, reducing your symptoms and the need for asthma medications
  • Biologics – a newer class of drugs used to prevent inflammation of your airways

Effective Asthma Treatment in Will County & DuPage County, IL

If you suspect asthma in yourself, your child, or a loved one – seek help now. Starting an early, customized treatment plan can prevent asthma flare-ups that lead to ER visits and hospitalizations, reduce the number of missed school or work days, and can protect the long-term health of your lungs. At Oak Brook Allergists, our aim is keeping you healthy, active, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Contact us today to schedule your asthma assessment at Oak Brook Allergists in northeast Illinois by calling (630) 574-0460 or request your appointment now.