Asthma Specialist
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The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute
Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Specialists located in Beverly Hills, CA
About 25 million adults and children in the United States have asthma, a potentially life-threatening condition that makes breathing difficult. Board-certified pulmonologists Ashkan Naraghi, MD, and Dan Naim, MD, provide individualized asthma care at The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute in Beverly Hills, California. If you or a loved one has asthma, call the office or book an appointment online for expert care today.
Asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term, chronic condition that affects the airways of your lungs. The airways are tubes that carry oxygen to and from your lungs when you breathe.
When you have asthma, these airways become narrow and swollen, and produce extra mucus. This interferes with breathing and may trigger coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
There’s no cure for asthma, but The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute works with you to manage your asthma symptoms so you can lead a normal, happy life.
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
Signs and symptoms of asthma vary from one person to the next. Some people experience asthma symptoms every day, while others only have them a few days per year. A period of worsening symptoms is known as an asthma attack or exacerbation.
Common asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Wheezing, or a whistling sound upon exhalation
- Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning
Asthma is a minor nuisance for some people, but for others, it can lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
What causes asthma?
Exactly what causes asthma remains unknown, but certain events or substances may trigger symptoms in some people. Common asthma triggers include:
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Airborne allergens, such as pollen
- Air pollution
- Respiratory infections, such as a cough or cold
- Strong emotions and stress
- Certain medications, including ibuprofen
The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute helps identify your specific asthma triggers so you can do your best to avoid them.
How is asthma diagnosed and treated?
The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
They may take tests, such as spirometry, to measure your lung function. They may also take imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, or recommend allergy testing.
Then, they work with you to create an individualized asthma management plan. Treatment may include long-term asthma control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and quick-relief medications that can rapidly ease symptoms during an asthma attack.
The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute may recommend regularly tracking your symptoms to monitor how well a treatment works for you. They continue to modify your treatment plan as needed to ensure the highest degree of care.
For comprehensive asthma care, call The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute or book an appointment online today.
