If you’re worried that you or your child may have asthma, you have good reason. Almost 6% of American children and about 8% of US adults have this serious breathing disorder, which can vary over time and with the seasons.
Asthma causes your airways to become inflamed and swollenl, making it difficult to get enough air and oxygen in and out of your lungs. The good news is that in recent years, the treatments for asthma have evolved, giving you different options based on your unique needs.
After diagnosing your condition, the providers at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah, offer personalized, effective treatment options to help you manage your asthma.
Here’s a look at four common symptoms of asthma and the ways in which we can help you breathe easier.
If you’ve noticed a whistling sound when you try to breathe in or out, it could be wheezing. This sound, especially if you have it after you exercise or when you don’t have a cold or other respiratory infection, could be a sign of asthma.
Keep in mind that not all wheezing means you have asthma. Other issues can trigger this whistling sound, including acid reflux, allergies, colds, and upper respiratory infections. If you or your child are wheezing without signs of a cold, schedule a visit to your doctor.
Coughing frequently — especially if you’re not otherwise sick — is a common symptom of asthma. For many children, a chronic cough is frequently the only symptom of this breathing disorder.
Your chronic cough could be a sign of asthma if you cough more at night, after exercising or engaging in physical activity, when you’re exposed to cold air, or after laughing or crying.
If you or your child has a chronic cough, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a provider at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours. Be sure to keep track of any other symptoms to help us get to the bottom of your cough.
If you’re struggling to breathe, or if you feel like you need to take many breaths (rapid breathing), asthma could be the reason. Breathing trouble can feel like tightness in the chest or neck.
This issue is caused by the inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of the airways — which can trigger excess mucus, making breathing even more difficult. The severity of breathing trouble or tightness in the chest can vary, but it’s never normal.
Be sure to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing this symptom.
People with asthma frequently feel tired or have less energy during the day — especially when walking or during or after exercise. If you’re tired or fatigued, even if you’re getting enough sleep, or if you have to stop and catch your breath when moving your body, it could be a sign of asthma.
Sometimes asthma causes people to wake up at night and try to catch their breath or deal with a coughing spell. This can also cause chronic daytime tiredness or fatigue. Be sure to keep track of any symptoms like this and share them with your doctor.
At Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours, we specialize in helping you manage your asthma symptoms and reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. We create a personalized treatment plan based on your exam, asthma history, lifestyle, and any known asthma triggers.
You might notice that your asthma flares during the colder, drier months of winter or when spring or summer allergy season hits. We make adjustments to your asthma plan as needed, and are always available for follow-up appointments when your symptoms change.
If you’re concerned about asthma, schedule an appointment online or over the phone with a provider at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours.
