Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory disorder affecting up to 25 million Americans. At Refresh Wellness in Garland, Texas, board-certified nurse practitioner and house call specialist Bincy Varughese, APRN, FNP-C, provides various treatments for asthma, including quick-relief inhalers, activity modification, and respiratory therapy. Call the office to request an asthma consultation today, or book online.

What is asthma?

Asthma causes chronic airway inflammation. It makes your lungs swell and produce extra mucus, affecting your ability to breathe.

There’s no cure for asthma, but various things can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping
• Coughing or wheezing attacks

As the condition worsens, you may need to use an inhaler more frequently or avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, like exercise.

Should I see a primary care specialist about asthma?

Make an appointment at Refresh Wellness if you regularly cough or wheeze and it makes it difficult to breathe. Early intervention and treatment can prevent asthma from worsening and protect your lungs from irreversible damage.

Who is at risk of asthma?

Asthma affects people of all ages, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to chemicals or toxic fumes
• Smoking
• Weight issues
• Having allergies or an allergic condition, like atopic dermatitis

Asthma may have a genetic component. Many people with asthma also have siblings or parents with respiratory issues.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Your Refresh Wellness provider reviews your medical records and asks about your lifestyle, including how often you exercise, if you smoke, and whether you have family members with asthma. Next, they complete a physical exam, checking for other conditions that present similar symptoms, like upper respiratory infections.

Your provider then orders lung function tests, including:

Spirometry

Spirometry measures how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how fast you breathe out. Your provider uses that information to estimate the narrowing of your bronchial tubes.

Peak flow

Peak flow measures how forcefully you exhale. A series of lower-than-average readings indicate below-average lung function.

These tests confirm if you have asthma and help determine the best type of treatment.

How is asthma treated?

There’s no cure for asthma, but it’s possible to manage your symptoms and prevent flare ups. Refresh Wellness typically recommends taking steps to avoid asthma triggers and prescription medication. 

If you have allergies in addition to asthma, your provider may suggest allergy shots (immunotherapy) or biologics, a class of drugs for people with severe respiratory symptoms.

Call Refresh Wellness to receive treatment for asthma today, or book online.