Intestitial Lung Disease

Asthma Allergy

Pulmonary Function Tests

Six Minute Walk Test

Bronchoscopy

Medical Thoracoscopy

What is Asthma?

Asthma Allergy

Whitney leaning against a railing on a downtown street
Photograph by Marcus O’Leary

Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. People who suffer from this chronic condition (long-lasting or recurrent) are said to be asthmatic. The inside walls of an asthmatic's airways are swollen or inflamed. This swelling or inflammation makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases your susceptibility to an allergic reaction. These conditions then bring on an asthma “attack,” the coughing and tightness in your chest that is typical of asthma

Causes of Asthma

  • Genetics: If a parent has asthma, you’re more likely to develop it.
  • History of viral infections: People with a history of viral infections during childhood are more likely to develop the condition.
  • Hygiene hypothesis: This hypothesis proposes that babies aren’t exposed to enough bacteria in their early months and years. Therefore, their immune systems don’t become strong enough to fight off asthma and other conditions.
  • Early allergen exposure: Frequent contact with possible allergens and irritants may increase your risk of developing asthma.

Risk of Asthma

  • Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma.
  • Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
  • Being overweight.
  • Being a smoker.
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution.

Diagnosis

To rule out other possible conditions — such as a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – Dr. SK Katiyar will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your signs and symptoms and about any other health problems. Also a lung function test or Spirometry (PFT) is performed.

Treatment Of Asthma

Treatments for asthma : Reliever medicines, and controller medications. Dr. Sandeep Katiyar will determine the right treatment or combination of treatments for you based on the type of asthma you have, your age, and your triggers.