Project Description

Asthma Treatment

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways, making it difficult to breath.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 13 people have asthma. This condition is one of the most common diagnoses in the U.S. This chronic disease causes airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may differ from patient to patient per individual age and lifestyle. However, most patients tend to exhibit the same symptoms at the initial stage of the disease. Some of the basic signs of Asthma at the early stage can, therefore, be grouped as follows:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Chest Pain
  • Coughing
  • Restless sleep due to coughing and wheezing

Asthma can be triggered by simple allergies such as dust, pollen, and even mold. Prolonged exposure to such elements, including smoke and other environmental pollution, can result in severe asthmatic conditions known as Asthma Attacks.

Unfortunately, there is no instant cure for asthma. However, proper treatment plans and medication can help keep the disease under control, leading to an improved quality of life.

Diagnosing Asthma

Our experienced FLASS physicians will customize a roster of tests to determine the nature and severity of a patient’s asthma symptoms. Diagnostic tests typically include, but are not limited to:

  • A physical exam and comprehensive medical history
  • Lung function tests, such as spirometry
  • Chest and/or sinus X-rays
  • Testing for suspected sensitivity to allergens, foods, medications and other triggers
  • Broncho-provocation testing with methacholine and exercise

FLASS Approach To Asthma

At FLASS, we understand the impact that asthma can have on our patient’s lives. Our team of doctors, nurses, researchers and staff are committed to helping patients overcome an asthma diagnosis. Treatments are aimed at helping our patients identify asthma symptoms, and providing them with the tools to effectively manage their condition.

 The FLASS Action Treatment Plan:

  1. Engagement: We encourage every patient to become an active member of their own healthcare team. Patient involvement and engagement is critical to successfully managing this condition.
  2. Patient education: we provide our patients with an individualized “rescue routine” if they need emergency medication to stop an asthma attack. We educate patients on how to control their condition.
  3. Patient empowerment: Patients will learn what triggers their asthma attacks, allowing them to adjust their lifestyle accordingly. With engagement and education comes patient empowerment.

Treatment Options

Your FLASS asthma team will not only treat your asthma, but also any coexisting conditions that make your asthma more difficult to control. We specialize in recently diagnosed cases, as well as “refractory” or “poorly controlled” cases.

We create a unique treatment plan according to the patient’s requirements and the severity of their diseases. Our doctors are experts who specialize in the field of asthma, allergy, immunology and pulmonary medicine. We also have teams of nurses and therapists that are dedicated and committed to helping our patients on their healing journey.

Traditional treatment options for asthma:

  1. Bronchial Thermoplasty: an RF treatment to reduce contraction of airway smooth muscle
  2. Medical Therapies: using Anti-IgE therapy (perhaps omalizumab or Xolair) or Anti-Interleukin
  3. Medication: medications in your Action Plan may include a combination of:
    • A preventive, long-term control medication (to reduce airway inflammation)
    • Bronchodilators (quick-relief inhalers used to quickly open swollen airways during an attack)
    • Allergy medications (when needed for coexisting conditions)

Managing Your Asthma

Our goal is not only to improve your condition but also our patient’s overall happiness and well-being. We ensure that our patients are properly educated and informed about the ins and outs of their diseases so they can make the best decision for their personal health.

Oftentimes, chronic asthma patients feel like they can only see the limits in their lives. However, with a proper FLASS asthma action plan and treatment, your symptoms will become manageable and controllable in no time.

With your asthma under control, life can again seem to have no limits…