Asthma

Stoneleigh Medical Group

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine located in Brewster, NY & Jefferson Valley, NY

If you struggle to breathe deeply because of asthma, you don’t have to suffer from this often-crippling condition. At Stoneleigh Medical Group, the experienced internal medicine specialists offer asthma screening and treatments to help you get full breaths of air. Call one of the offices in Carmel, Brewster, Pawling, Yorktown Heights, or Jefferson Valley, New York, to better manage asthma, or schedule an appointment online today.

Asthma Q&A

What exactly is asthma?

Asthma is a medical condition that affects your airways. It causes them to swell, narrow, and produce excessive mucus. Asthma is a common problem, but it can become dangerous and even fatal when left untreated.

Asthma ranges in severity from a minor problem to a crippling condition that impedes your ability to have a good quality of life.

Asthma might flare up due to irritants in the air like dust and fumes, seasonal allergies, exercise, or breathing in cold or dry air. During an asthma attack, your airways become considerably narrower, making it more difficult for you to breathe deeply.

While the exact cause of asthma isn’t known, researchers believe that genetics and the environment both play key roles in its development.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The hallmark symptoms of asthma include:

Coughing up mucus
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Tightness in your chest
Difficulty breathing

These common symptoms may come and go, flaring up during asthma attacks and fading away between flare-ups. For some people, however, these symptoms are ever-present and hamper their ability to get a full breath of air all throughout the day.

Determining what triggers your asthma is important, which is why it’s vital to see the specialists at Stoneleigh Medical Group at the first sign of a problem.

How does my specialist diagnose asthma?

To find out what triggers your asthma attacks and develop a personalized treatment plan, your Stoneleigh Medical Group provider analyzes your medical history, symptoms, and conditions under which your asthma flares up. They check your vital signs, listen to your breathing, complete a physical exam, and order lung-function tests.

What are the standard treatments for asthma?

Pinpointing the root cause of asthma flare-ups helps your provider develop the best course of treatment, which may include one or more of the following:

Trigger avoidance
Bronchodilators
Oral medications
Treatment for allergies
Filtering the air in your home

Knowing what worsens your condition helps you to avoid such circumstances and breathe easier. You may need more than one type of asthma treatment to achieve exceptional results.

To take advantage of superior asthma care at Stoneleigh Medical Group, call the office or request an appointment online today.