Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children and affects between 6-8% of all Americans. Patients with asthma may experience symptoms of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness.

 

Although there is no single cause for asthma, allergies seem to play a significant role in at least 2/3 of patients. Genetics and family history are also important. Pollution, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, respiratory infections, and exposure to strong scents or chemicals can also play a role.

There are two major components of asthma that result in the symptoms described above. Inflammation, often caused by allergies, results in swelling and excessive mucous production inside the airways (breathing tubes inside the lungs also called bronchioles). This swelling and mucous makes it difficult to breathe. The inflammation also causes muscles that surround the bronchioles to become “twitchy” so that they contract or squeeze the breathing tubes making it even more difficult to breathe.

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Fortunately, most cases of asthma can be controlled. Achieving control requires a comprehensive approach. If you are interested in learning more about your asthma and would like to join one of our asthma studies, please give us a call or send us an email and we will contact you as soon as we can!

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We look forward to assisting you in finding relief of your asthma symptoms so you can get back to enjoying the activities you love most!