Asthma Treatment in Huntsville, TX,
More than 25 million Americans live with asthma, a chronic lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. At Nabeel Khan, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Nabeel Khan and his team offer expert asthma diagnosis and personalized management plans that help you breathe easier, reduce flare-ups, and stay active. If you’re experiencing wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, call (936) 291-8205 today to schedule a consultation.
Book OnlineWhat Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in your lungs. When your airways are inflamed, they become sensitive and can react strongly to certain triggers. The muscles around the airways tighten, and your body produces extra mucus, which further clogs the passages that carry air in and out of your lungs.
The telltale signs of asthma include:
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when you breathe
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulties
Asthma symptoms often come and go. You may notice that certain things trigger your symptoms, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, exercise, respiratory infections, smoke, or cold air. An asthma attack is a sudden onset of severe symptoms. If you experience severe shortness of breath that doesn’t improve with your rescue inhaler, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
What Causes Asthma?
Medical researchers haven’t identified a single cause of asthma. However, they know that an immune system response brings on the airway inflammation, and there is a close link between asthma and allergies.
Many factors can influence your risk of developing asthma. If a parent or sibling has asthma, you’re more likely to have it as well. Other risk factors include exposure to:
- Cigarette smoke, including before birth
- Certain microbes early in life
- Chemical irritants or fumes in the workplace
- Poor air quality due to pollution or airborne allergens
Having allergies or other respiratory conditions, or living with obesity, can also increase your chances of developing asthma. Some people develop asthma for the first time as adults, so new breathing problems should always be evaluated.
How Is Asthma Diagnosed?
Dr. Khan begins your evaluation by asking about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle, including your home and work environment. He listens to your lungs for wheezing or whistling sounds that may indicate narrowed airways.
To confirm a diagnosis and measure how well your lungs are working, he may order pulmonary function tests, such as:
- Spirometry: Measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly, with or without a bronchodilator medication.
- Bronchoprovocation testing: Evaluates how sensitive your airways are to certain triggers.
- Peak expiratory flow: Measures how fast you can push air out of your lungs and can be used to monitor asthma at home.
These tests help Dr. Khan determine the severity of your asthma and choose the most effective treatment.
How Is Asthma Treated?
While there isn’t a cure for asthma, it can be well controlled. Dr. Khan works with you to create a management plan that keeps your airways open so you can breathe easily and enjoy your normal activities. Treatment plans usually combine medication and lifestyle modifications.
Common asthma medications include:
- Quick-relief (rescue) inhalers that open your airways during symptoms
- Long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, that reduce airway inflammation
- Combination inhalers for daily maintenance
- Medications that help control your immune system’s response to allergens
In addition to medication, Dr. Khan may recommend lifestyle adjustments to reduce your exposure to airborne allergens and irritants, such as using air filters, quitting smoking, and avoiding known triggers. He may also recommend gradually adding physical activity to your daily routine to improve your overall lung health.
Ongoing Asthma Management
Asthma can change over time, so regular follow-up appointments are an important part of your care. During these visits, Dr. Khan reviews your symptoms, checks your inhaler technique, and adjusts your medications as needed. Annual physical exams also give us an opportunity to monitor your lung health alongside other conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. See our full list of internal medicine services to learn more about the care we provide.
If you have concerns about asthma or your current treatment isn’t keeping your symptoms under control, call Nabeel Khan, MD at (936) 291-8205 or request an appointment online.
Asthma FAQs
What are the most common symptoms of asthma?
The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. Symptoms often come and go and may be worse at night or early in the morning.
Can adults develop asthma?
Yes. While asthma often begins in childhood, many people develop it for the first time as adults. Any new or persistent breathing problems should be evaluated by a physician.
What triggers asthma symptoms?
Common asthma triggers include pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, air pollution, cold air, exercise, respiratory infections, and chemical fumes.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Asthma is diagnosed through a review of your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and pulmonary function tests such as spirometry that measure how well air moves in and out of your lungs.
Is there a cure for asthma?
There is no cure for asthma, but with the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments, most people can control their symptoms and live active lives.
What is the difference between a rescue inhaler and a controller medication?
A rescue inhaler provides quick relief by opening your airways during symptoms. A controller medication is taken regularly to reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms over time.
When should I seek emergency care for asthma?
Seek emergency care right away if you have severe shortness of breath, trouble speaking, or symptoms that do not improve after using your rescue inhaler.