Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma occurs when airways in your lungs become narrowed and inflamed, restricting your breathing abilities. During attacks, your airways produce extra mucus while the surrounding muscles tighten. These changes make it difficult to move air in and out of your lungs, particularly when exhaling. Symptoms include:

• Wheezing sounds when breathing out
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing that often worsens at night or early morning

Some people experience mild symptoms only during exercise. Others have chronic issues that disrupt sleep and daily activities. Amanda and her team help identify which symptoms you experience most often and their severity patterns. 

They also determine whether your symptoms match classic asthma or might indicate another breathing disorder that mimics asthma symptoms.

How do you diagnose and treat asthma?

Treatment starts with proper testing, including lung function measurements through spirometry and peak flow monitoring. Amanda and her team might also order allergy testing to identify triggers affecting your breathing. Based on test results, they create a management plan combining:

• Controller medications to prevent attacks
• Rescue inhalers for quick relief
• Environmental modification strategies
• Dietary adjustments when food sensitivities play a role
• Breathing exercises to strengthen lung function

The goal is to find what keeps your symptoms under control while letting you maintain normal activities. Treatment adjusts over time as your body responds and your triggers change.

What triggers worsen asthma symptoms?

Various triggers affect each person differently. Common ones include:

• Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or mold
• Cold air and weather changes
• Exercise or physical activity
• Strong emotions or stress
• Respiratory infections
• Smoke, perfumes, and chemical fumes

Amanda and her team help identify your triggers through symptom tracking and testing. They can help you learn which situations to avoid and how to manage exposure when avoidance isn’t possible.

Can I control asthma naturally?

While medications remain the primary treatment for most patients, some benefit from complementary approaches. Amanda and her team evaluate options like anti-inflammatory dietary changes, breathing retraining techniques, and targeted supplements to support lung health. 

They monitor your response carefully, adjusting treatment to achieve the best control with minimal medication side effects.

Book your asthma evaluation at Altamont Family Health & Integrative Medicine. Call to schedule your appointment, or use the online booking tool to start managing your breathing symptoms.