Asthma

Asthma is a common but stressful condition affecting 6% of children and 8% of adults. At Chuan Jiang Medicine PC in Flushing, New York, you get the comprehensive medical treatment you need to stay active, knowing you’re prepared for potential flare-ups. Chuan Jiang, MD, has helped many children and adults stay in control of their asthma with personalized care plans. If you need expert care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What causes asthma?

Asthma begins when the airways in your lungs become chronically inflamed. The inflammation makes the airways sensitive. As a result, they narrow, become swollen, and produce excess mucus when you inhale certain substances. These changes in your airways cause an asthma attack.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

During an asthma flare-up, you experience one or more of the following:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Coughing

You could also have cough-variant asthma, which causes a dry cough without other symptoms.

What triggers an asthma flare-up?

If you have allergies, your allergens (like pollen, mild, dust, and animal dander) may cause your asthma attacks. Other common triggers include:

• Cold air
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Tobacco smoke
• Certain medicines
• Respiratory infections
• Sinus infections

Many people with asthma have a flare-up shortly after they start exercising, but you can stay active with treatment from Dr. Jiang.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Dr. Jiang performs pulmonary function testing to diagnose asthma and determine the severity of your condition. His on-site lab is fully equipped to take care of all your diagnostic testing during your office visit.

Could I have an airway disease other than asthma?

In addition to asthma, Dr. Jiang diagnoses and treats many airway diseases, including (but not limited to):

• Allergies
• Benign airway tumors
• Bronchiectasis
• Central airway stenosis
• Chronic cough
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

How is asthma treated?

Dr. Jiang develops a personalized treatment plan that includes:

Identifying and avoiding triggers

One of the best ways to prevent asthma is to identify your triggers, and then create a plan to avoid them.

Getting allergy testing and treatment

If Dr. Jiang suspects allergies trigger your asthma, he performs allergy testing. Getting immunotherapy for your allergies also lowers your risk of asthma attacks.

Taking medications

Everyone with asthma needs a rescue inhaler, a device containing medicine that quickly opens your airways when a flare-up begins. You may also need daily medication to reduce the frequency and severity of future attacks.

Dr. Jiang also prescribes biologic medications for people with moderate to severe asthma. Biologics significantly reduce airway inflammation that doesn’t respond to other medications. 

Get control of your asthma by getting an evaluation and treatment at Chuan Jiang Medicine PC when your symptoms first appear. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.