Asthma is a lung condition that is caused by inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation causes symptoms of wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and coughing. Symptoms are usually worse at night or the early morning. Symptoms can be worse with exercise, cold air, strong smells, with colds or respiratory infections, and when around allergens.

An allergist will diagnosis asthma by first taking a detailed history of symptoms, triggers, environment, and activities. A thorough physical exam will be performed. Based on the exam, tests may be recommended that may include breathing tests to determine lung volume and inflammation in the lungs, skin testing for environmental allergens, blood work, or radiographic imaging. Recommendations will then be made on how to control symptoms of asthma and prevent flare ups and damage to the lungs.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

You should see an allergist if:

By avoiding asthma triggers, taking medication, and carefully monitoring daily asthma symptoms, asthma attacks can be avoided or at least limited. Proper use of medication is the basis of good asthma control. Drugs used to treat asthma include bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, leukotriene modifiers and immunomodulators. Good asthma control is using a rescue inhaler less than 2 times a week, waking up at night with asthma less than 2 times a month, and requiring steroids less than 2 times a year.