Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes sudden inflammation in your airways, affecting your ability to breathe. The disease also triggers excess mucus production in your lungs, further complicating your ability to take in enough oxygen.

It’s unknown why some people develop asthma, and others don’t. The condition often starts in childhood but can also develop as an adult. You may be at higher risk for asthma due to certain genetic factors or because of exposure to substances in your environment.

Common asthma triggers may include:

• Dust

• Pollen

• Cold air

• Stress

• Physical activity

• Chemicals and strong smells

You may also be prone to asthma if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where acids from your stomach flow back up into your esophagus.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms can range from mild and occasional to frequent and severe. In the most serious cases, an asthma attack can become an emergency that requires immediate medical attention to prevent respiratory complications.

Common warning signs of asthma include:

• Wheezing

• Persistent cough

• Chest pain and tightness

• Shortness of breath

If you have asthma symptoms that become more frequent or hard to control, you should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Rezvani. He offers physical exams and uses lung function tests to measure how much air you can take in and out of your lungs.

How is asthma treated?

Your treatment plan for asthma depends on the duration and severity of your symptoms, injury to your lungs, and your body’s response to prior treatments.

Dr. Rezvani can prescribe short-acting medications that you inhale to reduce airway inflammation quickly. There are also long-acting medications that can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks or prevent them from happening. He continues to monitor your progress with treatment through in-office visits or telehealth appointments.

If allergies trigger your asthma symptoms, you may also need to take allergy medications. Immunotherapy can also change how your body responds to known allergens to reduce asthma attacks. Therapy involves injecting small amounts of allergens into your body over several years.

Dr. Rezvani works with you on a plan to address asthma concerns. You may need to visit the office for breathing treatment or go to the emergency room for immediate medical care depending on your asthma symptoms and their severity. 

To schedule an appointment for asthma care with Mohammad Rezvani, M.D. in Culver City, California, call or book online today.