Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation of the airways in the lungs, also known as the bronchial tubes. Your airways allow air to move in and out of your lungs. 

If you have asthma, your bronchial tubes are always inflamed. When you come in contact with an asthma trigger (allergen, air pollutant, viral infection), these tubes swell and produce excess mucus, and the muscles around the tubes tighten.

Asthma symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Tightness in the chest

Asthma is a life-long condition that requires ongoing medical care and management. Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, specializes in asthma care for people of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. 

How is asthma diagnosed?

Dr. Barsky conducts a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose asthma that includes a physical exam, review of your symptoms, and diagnostic tests that assess lung function. 

After completing his examination, Dr. Barsky may describe your asthma as intermittent — symptoms that come and go — or persistent — ongoing symptoms. For patients with persistent asthma, he may further classify the condition as mild, moderate, or severe. 

Dr. Barsky also aims to determine if your asthma is allergic or non-allergic.

Allergic asthma

Allergic asthma means you have allergies that trigger your asthma attacks, such as mold or pollen. 

Non-allergic asthma

With non-allergic asthma, your asthma attacks may occur from other causes such as exercise, stress, or a change in weather. 

Dr. Barsky may do allergy testing to confirm or rule out if allergies trigger your asthma. Controlling allergies may help control asthma.

How is asthma treated?

Dr. Barsky customizes your asthma treatment plan based on the severity of your asthma symptoms and triggers. Your treatment plan includes medications to prevent asthma attacks and medications to ease symptoms during an asthma attack.

Treatment for asthma may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and mucus production
• Bronchodilators to relax the muscles around the airways
• Rescue medications to treat an asthma attack
• Biologic therapy
• Allergy medication or immunotherapy

Dr. Barsky schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your asthma and adjust your treatment as needed. Taking your medication and avoiding your triggers is the best way to take control of your asthma.

For expert asthma care, call Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool today.