Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where your airway becomes inflamed and narrowed, leading to difficulty breathing. Certain triggers and allergies can cause the airways to become more swollen and the muscles around these airways can tighten.
There is no cure for asthma though it can be managed through proper care from the pulmonologists at Hattiesburg Clinic.
Though asthma is often diagnosed in childhood, it can develop at any age and is common in adults. Signs to look out for include:
For patients 18 years of age and older, Hattiesburg Clinic’s pulmonologists offer both total lung function tests and spirometry to measure lung function. These tests are often repeated after giving the patient a bronchodilator (medication to open the airways). Significant improvement in lung function after the medication can confirm asthma.
Since asthma is often associated with allergies, we may recommend allergy testing to measure reactions and levels of specific antibodies.
Many adults with asthma can experience an improvement in their symptoms, though this usually happens more often when asthma starts in childhood. However, this is not always the case, and asthma can persist or even return later in life. The likelihood of outgrowing asthma or experiencing fewer symptoms depends on the severity of a patient’s asthma, family history, presence of other allergies or eczema and exposure to pollutants like secondhand smoke.
Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term control medications for asthma. They reduce inflammation and help prevent asthma symptoms. Using an inhaler or a nebulizer, the goal is to keep the airway open and require less reliance on rescue medications.
If asthma is triggered by allergies, medications like antihistamines or allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be helpful. We work closely with our allergy, asthma and immunology providers to develop the right treatment plan.
Our care team will work with you to teach you about your asthma symptoms and how to use your inhaler or other medications correctly.
At Hattiesburg Clinic, we offer available biological agents for asthma patients. These medications offer a significant advancement in the treatment of severe asthma, providing relief for patients who do not respond well to traditional breathing therapies. Monthly injections reduce inflammation that blocks the airways, leading to improved lung function and a reduction in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
The pulmonologists at Hattiesburg Clinic provide personalized care for adults facing asthma and other chronic breathing conditions. Trust our highly-trained professionals to make your well-being our highest priority.