Asthma Management

More than 25 million Americans have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina in Prosper, Texas, board-certified allergist-immunologist Thomas Fowler, MD, provides comprehensive asthma care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to take advantage of an individualized asthma management plan.

What is asthma management?

Asthma management refers to treatments and strategies to minimize symptoms of asthma, a respiratory condition that causes your airways to swell and fill with mucus. Asthma can interfere with your ability to breathe comfortably. Some people even experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities, like exercise, school, and work.

As an asthma specialist, Dr. Fowler has extensive training in treating chronic respiratory conditions. He can develop an individualized plan that helps manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Why might I need asthma management?

You may need asthma management if you experience symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. A personalized care plan can reduce the frequency of your symptoms and help you prepare for emergencies. Common signs you need a professional asthma management plan include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Symptoms that worsen at night
• Difficulty breathing
• Problems exercising

Asthma symptoms can even affect your ability to work, attend school, and participate in sports. If you or your child experiences persistent symptoms of asthma, Dr. Fowler may recommend a professional management plan.

What does asthma management involve?

At Allergy and Asthma of Prosper, Dr. Fowler performs comprehensive testing to diagnose and treat asthma. He may perform several tests to diagnose your condition, including peak flow meter and lung function tests, such as spirometry. To rule out allergies, he may also recommend a skin prick test.

Dr. Fowler gathers this information to prepare your personalized asthma management plan, which may include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Quick-relief inhaled bronchodilators
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Symptom monitoring
• Emergency inhalers

Avoiding tobacco, minimizing your exposure to air pollution, and staying away from your specific triggers can also help protect you against asthma attacks.

How can I practice asthma management at home?

While you can’t always predict an asthma attack, you can develop a plan to anticipate your symptoms. Dr. Fowler recommends the following steps to manage your asthma symptoms at home:

• Take your medications as prescribed
• Have emergency medications on hand
• Avoid triggers
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your symptoms

Seek treatment for respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, influenza (flu), and the common cold, to protect your airways if you have asthma.

Call Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about asthma management.