At TexasAllergyMD, we understand the challenges that come with managing asthma. Fortunately, we can provide several resources and treatments to help you stay on top of your asthma management. In this article, we will discuss what you should know about asthma, ways you can manage asthma, and how our services can help you breathe easier.
Understanding Asthma and Its Triggers
As a chronic respiratory condition, asthma causes inflammation and narrowing in the airways, making breathing challenging. A variety of factors can trigger asthma symptoms, including:
- Allergens – Substances that cause allergies can also trigger asthma and can include dust mites, pollen, molds, cockroaches, and animal allergens such as pet dander.
- Environmental Factors – Environmental factors such as air pollution, exhaust fumes, smog, and even strong odors can trigger asthma symptoms. Even weather, such as dry wind, cold air, and sudden temperature changes, can cause an asthma episode.
- Exercise – Exercise and other activities that make you breathe harder can affect your asthma, especially in cold air. Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, it can appear after several minutes of sustained exercise.
- Respiratory Infections – Respiratory infections such as colds, the flu, Covid-19, sinusitis, and sore throats can also affect your asthma and trigger its effects. Other comorbid conditions can compound asthma symptoms, including obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, food allergies, and rhinitis.
Managing Your Asthma with TexasAllergyMD
Dr. Mireku offers a wide range of resources to help people manage their allergies and asthma, both in the office and virtually. At TexasAllergyMD, our team can provide a wide range of treatments, including:
- Environmental Sublingual Immunotherapy – Also known as SLIT, is an allergy treatment that administers allergens in small doses to desensitize the body and reduce symptoms.
- Inhaled Corticosteroids – Inhalers are the most common form of treatment for asthma. They deliver medication directly to the lungs to help reduce inflammation and open the airways.
- Allergy Shots – Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can effectively reduce asthma symptoms triggered by allergens.
- Oral Medications – Oral medications, such as leukotriene modifiers and corticosteroids, can help reduce inflammation and control asthma symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes – Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and staying active, can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.
At TexasAllergyMD, we work closely with our patients to develop personalized asthma treatment plans that address their needs and lifestyles. We work with patients to identify the likely triggers of uncomfortable asthma symptoms and develop personalized treatment plans. As a family-friendly practice, we work to develop asthma management plans that help people of all ages get relief from severe asthma.
How AllergenIQ Helps Parents Manage a Child’s Asthma
Managing asthma in children requires careful planning and management. With the help of our virtual health platform, AllergenIQ, it’s possible to reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks and help a child live a healthier, more active life.
- Asthma Treatment Plan – AllergenIQ provides a customizable treatment plan to help you manage your asthma symptoms and avoid triggers. The plan includes step-by-step instructions on what to do if you experience asthma symptoms and tips on avoiding triggers.
- Education and Resources – AllergenIQ offers a range of educational resources on asthma, including the ebook “5 Dangerous Myths About Your Child’s Food Allergies,” where parents can lead about childhood food allergies, refuting myths about food allergies and how to manage your child’s food allergies with practical tips from Dr. Mireku.
- Virtual Appointments – AllergenIQ also offers virtual appointments with Dr. Mireku and our team of allergists and asthma specialists. These appointments can be a convenient and effective way to manage your asthma without having to leave your home.
How Allergies Trigger Asthma Attacks
As the most common type of asthma, allergic asthma causes ongoing distress to patients across North Texas. However, the link between asthma and allergies is not immediately clear. The issue comes down to how the immune system reacts after exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander and mold.
The immune system considers the allergen to be a threat and reacts to it, producing IgE antibodies as a defense. These antibodies cue the release of bodily chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways. The airways become more sensitive as a result, and this leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, even shortness of breath. To prevent this cycle an allergist will develop a personalized allergy treatment to limit the immune system response.
Innovative Asthma Treatment in McKinney and Southlake
At TexasAllergyMD we provide a range of patient-centered asthma management solutions at our treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake. Speak with our North Texas team today to learn about our asthma testing and treatment options. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment now.
