Asthma

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes the airways to tighten and become inflamed. This ongoing condition can significantly impact daily life by making it difficult to breathe and is often accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing (a whistling sound while exhaling), and shortness of breath.


Asthma can be tough on both children and adults, affecting their ability to play, learn, or work as they wish. But it doesn’t have to hold you back! With effective management, you can take control and significantly improve your quality of life. Taking control starts with the right treatment plan, and with it, you can improve your daily experiences and find relief. With a variety of treatment options available, you can find one that suits your lifestyle, age, and medical history—helping you breathe easier and live better.

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Symptoms of Asthma

Early signs of asthma can vary, but recognizing them promptly is crucial for effective management. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) highlights these warning signs that warrant medical attention:


  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent coughing, often at night
  • Whistling or wheezing sound in the chest


Severe Symptoms of Asthma


  • Chest pain
  • Blue-tinged skin
  • High fever
  • Difficulty talking
  • Confusion

What are the Causes of Asthma?

Asthma often runs in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. If one or both parents have asthma, a child is more likely to develop the condition. Other factors can contribute to the development and exacerbation of asthma:

  • Non-Allergic Triggers: 
  • Exercise
  • Smoke and pollution
  • Weather changes
  • Illness
  • Medications
  • Emotional stressors
  • Exposure to work-related substances
  • Allergic Triggers:
  • Dust mites
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Mold

Understanding the type of asthma you have is a key step in effectively managing your symptoms. Each type comes with unique triggers and challenges, and knowing them can help tailor your treatment plan. Here are the main types:

  • Allergic Asthma:  Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
  • Exercise-Induced Asthma: Symptoms arise during or after physical activity, making it difficult to stay active.
  • Occupational Asthma:  Often affects workers exposed to irritants such as chemicals, fumes, or dust in their workplace.
  • Nocturnal Asthma:  Symptoms worsen at night, disrupting sleep and making it harder to rest well.

Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Effective asthma care begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our experienced team provides a thorough assessment by reviewing your medical and family history, conducting physical exams to rule out similar conditions, and using noninvasive lung function tests like spirometry to evaluate your breathing.


For a complete understanding of your condition, additional tests may include:


  • Allergy skin tests to identify potential triggers.
  • Exercise evaluations to assess for exercise-induced asthma.
  • Chest X-rays to rule out other respiratory conditions.


How Is Asthma Treated?
After confirming a diagnosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Common options include:


  • Medications: Inhaled corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce airway inflammation and minimize the frequency of attacks.
  • Immunotherapy:  Allergy-related asthma can benefit from immunotherapy, a process where small doses of allergens are introduced to help your body build tolerance over time.


We understand the challenges of living with asthma and work closely with each patient to create a tailored treatment plan. From managing medications to addressing triggers, our goal is to help you achieve long-term health and improve your quality of life.

Asthma FAQs

  • When should I go to urgent care vs. the emergency room for an asthma attack?

    If you're struggling to speak, using chest muscles to breathe, or noticing bluish lips or fingertips, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. These are symptoms of asthma that need immediate hospital care. 


    If your symptoms worsen and your inhaler isn’t helping, but it’s not life-threatening, urgent care can provide you with stronger medications and a comprehensive respiratory assessment to help manage your breathing safely.

  • Can asthma return in adulthood after disappearing in childhood?

    Yes. Asthma can return years later due to illness, stress, or exposure to new triggers. If you experience unexplained shortness of breath, coughing, or chest tightness again as an adult, our specialists can get you re-evaluated immediately to prevent complications and ensure timely care.

  • How do I know if it’s asthma or just allergies causing my breathing problems?

    It’s really common to confuse asthma with allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis mostly causes sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes, whereas asthma affects your lungs, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath. 


    At Premier Allergy of Texas, we can help pinpoint the cause through comprehensive allergy and biologics testing to determine the underlying issue and develop the right asthma treatment plan for you.

  • Why do I wake up at night gasping or wheezing — is it asthma or sleep apnea?

    Waking up breathless can mean that you’re dealing with nocturnal asthma, sleep apnea, or both. Asthma symptoms can worsen at night due to allergens or the position of how you sleep, while sleep apnea causes loud snoring and interrupted breathing, making you feel unrested the moment you wake up. 


    Our team can help you determine which one you have by evaluating your symptoms to recommend the right test and treatment to help you sleep and breathe better.

  • Does having asthma make anxiety or panic attacks worse?

    Yes. Struggling to breathe can trigger anxiety or panic attacks, which can tighten your chest further and make symptoms feel more intense. Many people don’t realize just how closely these issues are connected. At Premier Allergy Tx, we will help you understand the difference and create a plan to manage both your asthma and the stress that can worsen it, so you can breathe easier and feel more in control.

Get Professional Care for Your Asthma Needs

Take control of your asthma symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Schedule an appointment at Premier Allergy TX to find the best approach for your asthma—from allergy drops to biologics.

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