Information
At Allergy Associates PA, we pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service. Explore what we have to offer for asthma and breathing problems and how we can contribute to your quality of life as your trusted Asthma Consultant in Delaware, delivering Good Allergy Care.
Frequently asked questions
What are some of the first signs that someone might be developing asthma or a breathing problem that would make them want to seek help from Allergy Associates PA?
Most of the time, asthma is a chronic disease that can start in childhood, or later in life as an adult. The symptoms are characterized by coughing, wheezing in the chest, mucus production, chest tightness, and sometimes shortness of breath. Most of the time, underlying allergies are the setup for asthma, but upper respiratory tract infections (colds) are common triggers for attacks. Also, Respiratory irritants such as perfumes, odors, chemical smells or particulates can trigger airway spasm.
If someone suspects they have asthma or a breathing issue, what's the first step they should take with Allergy Associates PA?
Every individual who is suspected of having asthma should have allergy testing performed because most people with asthma have allergies. A Pulmonary Function test (PFT) should be performed. This test will give accurate measurements of lung function and how bad the asthma is. The PFT is a good tool to determine if inhalers should be used.
Does controlling my allergies help my asthma?
Keeping allergies under control is part of the treatment for asthma. In fact, having Immunotherapy for treatment of asthma has been shown in multiple studies to greatly improve asthma.
Are there any new treatment options for Asthma?
There are now new treatments called biologicals for asthma. These are a new class of asthma medications that have been shown to greatly reduce the possibility of developing serious life threatening attacks requiring visits to the emergency room or hospital. These options for asthma treatment are offered by the specialist at Allergy Associates PA.
What's the biggest misconception people have about asthma and breathing problems, and how does Allergy Associates PA address it?
In mild asthma, symptoms may not be debilitating, but can affect quality of life. In most situations, asthma is a chronic disease, and dose not go away. Asthma that is not treated properly could lead to lung damage over time. In some cases concerning young children with breathing problems, infections from reparatory viruses maybe misdiagnosed as asthma. As the child grows older and their airways enlarge, the breathing problems resolve, and the children are said to have grown out of asthma.
What makes Allergy Associates PA's approach to asthma and breathing problems different or more effective than other options?
Because we are allergists and asthma is mostly caused by allergies, we at Allergy Associates are skilled at sorting out different types of breathing problems and diagnosing asthma. It is important to quantify the severity of asthma using pulmonary function test and symptom history. Utilizing the right amount, no more, no less of asthma medication is very important to maintain asthma control and avoid side effects of asthma medications.
