Asthma

Asthma is a prevalent lung condition that affects more than 25 million Americans. If you or your child has asthma, the team at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger offers customized treatment to manage your condition. The practice has two convenient locations: in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio and in Schertz, Texas. To schedule an asthma consultation, call the office or request one online today. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory condition affecting over 300 million people worldwide, with 20.3 million individuals in the United States alone. 

Characterized by inflamed airways in the lungs, asthma restricts the flow of air in and out of the lungs. This inflammation leads to airway constriction, making breathing more challenging and causing symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. 

In fact, asthma is the most common serious disease among children, impacting approximately nine million children in the United States.

For many people living with asthma, allergens like dust mites, mold, animal dander, pollen, and cockroaches exacerbate their symptoms. In fact, around 70% of individuals with asthma also have allergies.

What are common asthma symptoms?

Common symptoms of asthma include a chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.

What circumstances and conditions can exacerbate asthma?

Various triggers can exacerbate adult asthma, including:

• Pregnancy: Uncontrolled asthma can adversely affect both the mother and her baby's health
• Work situations: Exposure to fumes, gasses, or dust at work can trigger asthma
• Age: Older individuals with asthma face unique health challenges
• Exercise: Some people may experience asthma symptoms during physical activity
• Medications: Certain medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen, or beta-blockers, can induce asthma attacks in some adults

Additionally, uncontrolled exercise-induced asthma (EIA) can significantly limit physical activity. About 20 million Americans have asthma, and an additional 13% of the population experiences asthma symptoms during exercise. 

EIA is primarily caused by overly sensitive airways reacting to sudden temperature and humidity changes, especially when inhaling colder, drier air during physical activity.

Common symptoms of EIA include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. These symptoms can be effectively managed with appropriate medication and guidance.

How is asthma diagnosed?

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger, diagnosing asthma includes reviewing your medical history, medications, and symptoms, checking your vital signs, and completing a physical exam. Your specialist helps you complete lung function (breathing) tests before and after using an inhaler to determine if the inhaler is needed.

How is asthma treated?

Treating asthma often involves an inhaled medication prior to exercise or any other time you experience shortness of breath. It’s also important to breathe in clean air as often as possible. Use an air filter at home and clean regularly to reduce dust, pet dander, mold, and other common allergens. You might also use a dehumidifier or undergo treatment for allergies. 

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger, the team is dedicated to helping you breathe easier and live a healthier, more active life. Don't let asthma control you — take control of your asthma. Call the office to book an appointment or request one online today.