Asthma

About one in 13 Americans have asthma, a chronic upper respiratory condition. At the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center in St. Charles, Illinois, allergy, asthma, and immunology specialists Priya Bansal, MD, and Haley Young, PA, provide asthma care to people of all ages. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and routine check-ups can improve your respiratory health and help you feel better. Call the office to schedule an asthma consultation, or request an appointment online today.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic illness that causes upper respiratory inflammation. During flare-ups, your airways narrow and produce extra mucus, making it hard to breathe.  

Asthma typically develops in childhood, but you can acquire it as an adult. There’s no cure, but various treatments can improve your respiratory health and allow you to return to your favorite activities.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling 
• Coughing or wheezing attacks (especially during exercise)

Almost everyone experiences respiratory issues occasionally, but if your symptoms occur regularly or last for more than a few days, it’s important to seek professional treatment.

When should I see an asthma specialist?

Make an appointment at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center if you or your child regularly experience shortness of breath or trouble breathing. That’s especially true if your symptoms occur during light physical activity or prevent you from sleeping. 

How is asthma diagnosed?

Your provider at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, including if flare-ups occur during certain activities, like exercise, and if you smoke. 

Next, your provider completes several tests, including:

Spirometry

Spirometry measures how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how quickly you breathe out. That information helps assess the narrowing of your bronchial tubes.

Peak flow

Peak flow measures how hard you exhale. If you get a lower-than-average reading on two separate peak flow tests, it means your lungs aren’t working at full capacity or that your asthma may be worsening.

FeNO test

During a FeNO test, you exhale into a mouthpiece connected to a machine. The machine analyzes the chemical makeup of your breath, checking for airway inflammation.

To ensure convenience and easy access to care, the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center offers asthma testing with remote technologies and take-home meters. The specialists also offer more specialized tests, including allergy, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and vocal cord dysfunction testing.

Your provider may even order diagnostics, such as chest X-rays or electrocardiogram (EKG).

How is asthma treated?

Treatment of asthma depends on the severity of your symptoms and your general well-being. The goal is to reduce inflammation, enhance your respiratory health, and improve your quality of life. Your provider may prescribe:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Combination inhalers
• Theophylline
• Short-acting beta agonists
• Anticholinergic agents
• Oral or intravenous corticosteroids

If you have allergies in addition to asthma, your provider may recommend allergy medications or allergy shots to help bolster your immune system. They also offer access to biologics, including XOLAIR®, DUPIXENT®, NUCALA®, and CINQAIR®.

Call the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center to receive treatment for asthma, or request an appointment online today.