Allergies

What is Asthma?

Asthma causes the airways to swell, making it difficult to breathe. It’s a chronic respiratory disease, and it poses such a problem because of how unpredictable the symptoms are. Someone with asthma can have severe symptoms one month and almost nothing the next. Or the seriousness of an attack can vary each time. All kinds of variables trigger an asthma attack, including exercise, weather, allergens – even a common cold can put someone in the hospital if they don’t manage their symptoms appropriately.

Dr. Hajee uses the Pulm-One Mini Box, one of the most comprehensive Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) machines on the market to diagnose asthma. It measures spirometry, lung volume, and single breath CO diffusion (DLCO). Schedule an appointment today to start treating your respiratory condition.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

There are three core symptoms of asthma. Sensitive airways respond to the smallest trigger, immediately narrowing upon contact; blocked airways prevent air from getting to the lungs; and inflammation of the bronchial tubes damages lungs. Doctors use the severity and frequency of the symptoms to classify the stage at which someone’s asthma is at any point in time.

Mild Intermittent Asthma

Asthma attacks are rare. Day symptoms happen less than twice a week, and night symptoms occur less than twice a month.

Mild Persistent Asthma

Asthma attacks rarely affect an activity. Day symptoms occur twice a week, and night symptoms occur roughly twice a month.

Moderate Persistent Asthma

Asthma attacks are more likely to affect activities. Day symptoms happen three to six times a week, and night symptoms occur three to four times a month. 

Severe persistent asthma

Asthma attacks happen multiple times a day, both day and night, severely inhibiting someone from taking part in activities.

Without constant monitoring and management, asthma could be life-endangering. Partner with Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy today, and treat your symptoms safely and effectively.  

What types of asthma are there?

There are several different types of asthma, and it’s possible to have more than one. They include:

• Allergic asthma Non-allergic asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Adult-onset asthma
• Cough-variant asthma 

Understanding what kind of asthma they’re dealing with helps a doctor decide on the best course of treatment.

Dr. Hajee offers biologics, a form of asthma medication that targets specific antibodies, molecules, or cells involved in asthma. Find out more about this advanced medicine technique by calling Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy to book an appointment, or use the online scheduling tool.