🔸 Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of asthma isn’t fully understood, but it often develops due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Common triggers include:

• Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander

• Irritants: Smoke, strong odors, or air pollution

• Exercise: Especially in cold or dry air

• Weather changes: Cold air or sudden temperature shifts

• Certain medications: Such as beta-blockers or aspirin

Recognizing your personal triggers can help you avoid flare-ups and keep asthma under control.

🔸 Asthma Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing

• Coughing (often worse at night or early morning)

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness or pressure

• Fatigue or trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulty

🔸 Diagnosis

An asthma diagnosis is usually made based on your medical history, physical exam, and lung function tests (pulmonary function tests or PFTs), which measure how well your lungs are working.

🔸Treatment Options

Asthma treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, preventing attacks, and improving quality of life.
Common treatment options include:

• Inhalers:

  • Corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation.

  • Bronchodilators relax the airway muscles for easier breathing.

• Medications: Oral options such as leukotriene modifiers or biologic therapies may be used for more persistent asthma.

• Environmental management: Limiting exposure to triggers, using air purifiers, and keeping indoor air clean can help.

• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots may help reduce sensitivity to allergens in severe or allergy-related asthma.

🔸Possible Complications

If you’re experiencing symptoms more than twice a week, or notice difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or chest pain—it’s time to check in. iVisitDoc providers are here to evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right care for you.

🔸Prevention and Management Tips

While asthma can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed. To help prevent flare-ups:

• Maintain a healthy weight — obesity can worsen asthma symptoms.

• Exercise regularly to strengthen lung capacity (consult your provider before starting new routines).

• Take medications as prescribed and keep an inhaler nearby.

• Monitor your symptoms and track triggers to share with your healthcare provider.

• Schedule regular checkups to adjust treatment as needed.

⚠️ Important: If you experience severe shortness of breath, persistent wheezing, or your inhaler isn’t helping, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These may be signs of a serious asthma attack.