A major part of my practice is treating respiratory problems, including asthmatics whose problems are based on allergies or the typical kinds of viral illness including colds and flu. Along with treatment, she watches for improvement of symptoms to make sure that common respiratory problems don't turn into more serious illness. Asthma can be described as an abnormal narrowing of the air passages to the lungs as a result of inflammation or spasm or both. Shortness of breath and wheezing which can last for a few .minutes or days are symptoms.
Severe episodes can be life threatening.
A variety of triggers including pollutants, allergies, heavy exercise or cold weather can bring on an attack. If additional medication is needed, a prescribed antihistamine and decongestant often work well. During an asthma attack, bronchial tubes can spasm and drastically reduce the volume of air going in and out of the lungs. The peak flow meter is an objective monitor that allows the doctor to determine on the phone how bad the attack is, and recommend the best course of action. Although she expects lots of patients will acquire a viral illness this year, she says most will get well quickly.