Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, complex disease that affects more than 22 million Americans and causes nearly 2 million emergency room visits each year. With good medical management, both children and adults can live a normal life, even with asthma.
Watch for these symptoms
Asthma occurs when the airways tighten and become inflamed or fill with mucus. Symptoms can occur daily or intermittently and include:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pressure
Asthma attacks can be frightening
You may also experience asthma attacks or periodic worsening of symptoms that result in:
- Rapid breathing
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Difficulty talking
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Chronic cough, especially with laughing or exercise
Advanced tests for an accurate diagnosis
Asthma can begin at any time during one’s lifetime. There are many different kinds of asthma as well as degrees of severity. Our board-certified specialists treat all forms of asthma in both adults and children. A detailed medical history and physical examination will be followed by tests, as necessary. These include:
- Spirometry: These pulmonary function tests will measure your lung function.
- Methacholine challenge: This test determines whether you do or do not have asthma.
- NIOX (nitric oxide test): This non-invasive test measures the amount of nitric oxide exhaled and helps determine the degree of inflammation in your lungs.
A personalized asthma plan helps result in a normal life
Your physician will develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage your asthma and prevent attacks. Most plans are based on treatment with handheld (inhaled) medications.
Trusted experience, leadership, and commitment
Our team of physicians and healthcare professionals are highly experienced and trained to provide you with the best care. The physicians are known nationally and internationally for leadership in their specialty and for conducting leading-edge basic and clinical research. They are committed to your personal healthcare.
Control your asthma. Don’t let it control you. Call our asthma specialists in the Tampa Bay area at (813) 971-9743 now to schedule an appointment.
