The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 in 13 Americans or approximately 25 million people suffer from asthma. Left unmanaged, asthma can prevent you from exercising or living an active lifestyle. Shinita Dudley, MD, at SpringRidge Medical Clinic in Clinton, Mississippi, proudly offers asthma management to ease uncomfortable symptoms and improve her patients’ quality of life. If asthma is keeping you from your favorite activities, make an appointment by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that causes your airways to swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus. Over time, this can interfere with your breathing, triggering attacks of coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
For some people, asthma only causes minor problems; for others, it’s life-threatening. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for asthma, but it’s possible to manage its symptoms. Asthma affects you differently as you get older, so it’s important to work with a trusted medical professional like Dr. Dudley so you can monitor your symptoms over time.
The symptoms of asthma vary depending on the severity of your condition. However, telltale signs include:
You might also have trouble sleeping comfortably; people with asthma often experience wheezing and shortness of breath when they lie down at night.
Researchers and doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes asthma, but it’s thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. If you have asthma, exposure to certain triggers can cause your symptoms to become worse. Common asthma triggers include:
In addition, there are certain factors that may increase your risk of asthma, including being overweight, smoking cigarettes, or having a family member with asthma.
To diagnose asthma, Dr. Dudley does a physical exam, asks you a series of questions about your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. She also conducts a series of lung function tests to determine your overall respiratory health and lung capacity. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Dudley might recommend spirometry or peak flow test. She might also order a series of X-rays to get a closer look at your lungs.
No two asthma management plans are exactly alike. Dr. Dudley formulates treatment based on your unique needs, symptoms, and health history. If you only experience flare-ups occasionally, Dr. Dudley might recommend lifestyle changes such as investing in a flu shot or avoiding asthma triggers. For more serious cases, Dr. Dudley might prescribe an inhaler or other prescription medications that ease inflammation and promote healthy breathing.
Don’t let respiratory problems prevent you from living a healthy, active lifestyle. If you’re suffering from asthma, request an appointment for asthma management at SpringRidge Medical Clinic today –– simply call the office or click the online booking tool.