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Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that can impact respiratory function in children and adults alike. At University Family Medicine Center, P.C. in Pueblo, Colorado, the primary care team takes a unique approach to asthma treatment. The team believes spending unnecessary time in a doctor’s office is not a choice most asthma sufferers want to experience. That’s why UFMC educates patients to save time and doctor copayments, allowing you to administer your medication at home. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that inflames the small airways in your lungs and causes mucus to accumulate. Symptoms of asthma can range from mild to severe. Some people only experience symptoms during cold weather or when they exercise. Others suffer frequent debilitating symptoms that impact their ability to breathe.

While there is no cure for asthma, the team at University Family Medicine Center, P.C. can help you manage your symptoms for a better quality of life.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The symptoms can vary and often depend on the severity of the condition. Common signs of asthma include:

  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Heavy exhaling

Many individuals notice that their asthma symptoms worsen when they have a respiratory virus, like the flu or bronchitis. Allergy-induced asthma may also aggravate your symptoms when you come in contact with certain seasonal allergens, like pollen.

What causes asthma?

A combination of environmental and genetic factors likely causes asthma, but experts don’t know exactly why certain people develop it. The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to identify your triggers. The most common asthma triggers include:

  • Air pollutants
  • Dry, cold weather
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Cardiovascular exercise
  • Stress
  • Food preservatives and additives
  • Certain medications (aspirin, beta-blockers, etc.)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes acid in your stomach to flow back into your throat, can also trigger an asthma attack.

What are the treatments for asthma?

The team at University Family Medicine Center, P.C. takes a whole-body approach to asthma treatment. Trigger avoidance can help prevent attacks and poor lung function. Most people with asthma also take inhalant medications to control symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath. The most common medications the team recommends are:

Control medications
Controller medications prevent mucus buildup and inflammation to manage asthma symptoms before they begin.

Quick-relief medications
Quick-relief medications stop asthma symptoms if you have a sudden attack. You must take them the moment you experience symptoms.

Combination medications
Combination medicines can help provide short-term and long-term control for asthma symptoms.

Call University Family Medicine Center, P.C. today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about asthma.