Asthma

An estimated 17 million people living in the United States have self-reported asthma. Asthma is a chronic (or long-lasting) disease marked by these symptoms :

• wheezing,
• chest tightness,
• shortness of breath, 
• excessive coughing while exercising or following exercise, and/or
• nighttime coughing/difficulty breathing.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness among children, and if left untreated can result in loss of sleep, exercise limitations, absenteeism, emergency room visits, worsening lung function, and even death.

Some people can categorize the type of asthma they have by their "triggers." For example:

• Allergic Asthma:  Asthma symptoms appear when certain allergens are present, like pet dander, mold or pollen.
• Seasonal Asthma: Like allergic asthma, seasonal asthma is triggered by allergic reactions, but these allergens are tree, grass and/or weed pollens traveling in the air during their peak seasons.
• Non-allergic Asthma: These asthma symptoms occur whenever air irritants are present, such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, room deodorizers, fresh paint, or perfume.
• Exercise-induced Asthma: Asthma symptoms show up during exercise or physical activity.
• Nocturnal Asthma: These asthma symptoms can occur in a patient with any type of asthma, but those symptoms increase or worsen at night.

Unfortunately, asthma is not a disease that will just go away or get better over time. In fact, if it's left untreated, it can worsen. But with a proper diagnosis and a custom treatment plan, asthma can be controlled and its effect on your quality of life kept in check.

Is your asthma severe and unresponsive to traditional treatment methods?

If you have severe asthma that is not responding to inhaled medications or you're requiring frequent or chronic use of oral corticosteroids like prednisone, you may have another option. New asthma treatment drugs categorized as biologics are available. While biologics don't cure asthma, they can lead to better control. At this time, five biologics have been approved for asthma. Schedule an appointment with us to see if you meet the criteria.

"I have adult onset asthma and allergies. I am now breathing easily and getting through allergy seasons without bronchitis with the advice and treatment from Dr. Jenna Bush. Highly recommend...in Warner Robins." -D. Peebles