Asthma Treatment Washington DC

Asthma Treatment Washington DC

Thousands of people seek asthma treatment in Washington DC every year.  Asthma is one of the most common respiratory illnesses in the Washington DC metropolitan area.  Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the lungs.  It usually has a genetic basis as certain genes code for and determine the inheritance patterns.  This genetic predisposition is why asthma often runs in families in Washington DC.  The incidence and prevalence of asthma are relatively higher in certain ethnic groups such as African Americans and Hispanics in Washington DC.  Though the condition usually has its onset in childhood, it can manifest at any age.  Asthma in Washington DC follows a remitting and relapsing course throughout one’s lifetime.  Though some children tend to “grow out” of asthma in Washington DC, there is a higher probability of having symptoms return in adulthood compared with adults who never had asthma in childhood in Washington DC.

Inflammation of the airways of the lung causes excessive mucus production in the lungs, swelling of the tissues, and may lead to the reduced function of the lungs.  In addition, the muscles in the walls of the bronchial tubes can go into a spasm causing narrowing of the lumen. To make it worse, the excessive thick mucus may also plug the narrowed lumen causing further blockage in the airway resulting in the interference of the movement of air in and out of the lungs.

The symptoms of asthma in Washington DC may include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.  Wheezing occurs when air is forced through narrowed bronchial tubes resulting in a high-pitched whistling type of noise while breathing.  Breathing out is usually more difficult than breathing in individuals with persistent asthma.

Allergens such as dust mites, molds, pet dander, cockroaches, and pollens (e.g., trees, grasses, weeds) can trigger asthma “attacks” (i.e., acute exacerbations) in sensitized individuals in Washington DC.  Infections (e.g., viral, bacterial, fungal), strenuous exertion, exposure to irritants (e.g., smoke, cold air, chemical sprays) are other typical aggravating factors for asthmatics.

If asthma causes symptoms less frequently than twice a week during the daytime and less than twice a month during nighttime, it is termed “intermittent asthma.”  If the symptoms are more frequent than that, it is termed “persistent asthma,” which is also graded as mild, moderate, and severe based on the symptoms and pulmonary function values.

Asthma treatment Washington DC residents deserves begins with the identification of specific triggering and/or aggravating factors in an individual.  The identification of these exacerbating factors is determined by a board-certified allergist by a comprehensive history and physical examination in conjunction with pulmonary function testing, focused skin testing, and/or blood testing.  Allergy treatment Washington DC residents expect begins with the counseling of various methods of avoidance of exposure to the offending allergens and triggers.  It is important for individuals to try to avoid these exacerbating factors by implementing proper environmental controls.

There are primarily two classes of medications utilized for asthma treatment Washington DC expects.  The first class is known as “reliever” medications.  These medicines are meant to be used only as needed for quick relief of asthma symptoms.  Albuterol is the main reliever medication for asthma treatment in Washington DC.  It is given either via a metered-dose inhaler or a nebulizer machine.  In cases of intermittent asthma, albuterol is usually all that is needed.

The second class of medications used for asthma treatment in Washington DC are known as “controller” medications.  These medications are anti-inflammatory and should be prescribed in all cases of persistent asthma.  These are meant to be taken daily on a regular basis in order to prevent symptoms.  Among these, leukotriene modifiers (e.g., Singulair, Accolate, Zyflo) are taken orally.  Inhaled corticosteroids, with potent anti-inflammatory properties, are another example of controller medications.  These medicines are inhaled into the lungs daily either as aerosols by metered-dose inhalers or via dry powder inhalers as controller asthma treatment in Washington, DC.

The board-certified allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other lung-related illnesses.  They can answer your questions and address your concerns regarding asthma and allergies.  We have been serving the Washington DC metropolitan area for more than 5 decades and offer 3 convenient locations with on-site parking.  Our offices are located in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA.  Our Washington DC and McLean, VA are accessible by the Metro.  Our McLean, VA office offers a free shuttle that runs between our office and the Spring Hill metro on the silver line.  Please call us at one of our locations to schedule an appointment or you can Request an Appointment online on our website and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day.  Asthma treatment Washington DC desires is just a phone call away.  The allergy specialists at Black & Kletz Allergy are happy to assist you with all your needs regarding the diagnosis and treatment of your allergies and/or asthma.