Asthma
Asthma affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide. It is the most common chronic disease in children and may develop at any age. Asthma is intermittent disease, meaning the symptoms do not have to occur all the time.
Common asthma symptoms include:
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Shortness of breath
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Chest tightness
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Wheezing
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Coughing
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Asthma attacks
During your evaluation Dr. Offengenden may be perform the following tests:
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Spirometry with and without nebulizer, performed in the office - measures lung function
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Allergy testing, to identify potential asthma triggers
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Other diagnostic tests that may be helpful include imaging and blood tests which help identify different types of asthma and guide the treatment
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Methacholine challenge, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, skin tests, chest x-rays, and blood
Treatment
There is no cure for asthma, but symptoms can be controlled with effective and personalized asthma treatment plan. Treatments that may be used to control asthma include:
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Inhalers for quick relief and daily control of asthma depending on disease severity
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Anti-Inflammatory medications
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Avoidance and treatment of allergies which can trigger asthma
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Biologic treatments for more severe persistent asthma
With years of experience treating asthma patients, Dr. Offengenden will make sure to identify your problems and treat them in the most effective way possible with the least amount of medications.