Asthma
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Greenwich Primary Care
Primary Care, Internal Medicine, & Immediate Care in Cos Cob and Stamford, CT
In the United States, roughly one in 13 people have asthma. If you have frequent asthma attacks or don’t know what triggers your flare-ups, book an evaluation with Josh Shajan, MD, at Greenwich Primary Care in Cos Cob and Stamford, Connecticut. You can get started on a personalized asthma management plan designed to help decrease the frequency of your asthma attacks and lessen their severity. Book your asthma exam online or by phone, or walk in if you need to be seen right away.
Asthma Q & A
What triggers asthma attacks?
A chronic, life-long condition, asthma leads to ongoing issues with narrowing and inflammation of your airways, which makes breathing a challenge. One of the most common asthma triggers is allergies, particularly skin allergies (contact dermatitis) and environmental allergies like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
But your asthma attacks may also be triggered by:
- Respiratory infections
- Strong odors, including perfumes
- Exercise, especially when the air is dry and cold
- Workplace irritants, such as chemical fumes or dust
Asthma is very common among children; most children who have asthma develop it by age five. While the exact cause of asthma isn’t well understood, your risk of struggling with asthma is higher if you have a blood relative who also has asthma.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma makes it difficult for you to breathe and causes chronic breathlessness. But the asthma symptoms you experience, and their severity, can vary depending on your triggers. Asthma is also known for causing:
- Chest pain and tightness
- Coughing fits
- Wheezing
You may also find that you have difficulty sleeping because of ongoing issues with shortness of breath. This can lead to daytime drowsiness and fatigue. If any of these asthma-related issues are affecting you or your child, Dr. Shajan and the dedicated providers at Greenwich Primary Care can help.
How does a doctor treat asthma?
Dr. Shajan may conduct several tests or screenings to diagnose your asthma or determine the severity of your condition. For instance, with a peak flow test, a specialized device measures how hard you breathe out. If your peak flow output is low, Dr. Shajan can tell that your lungs aren’t working as well as they should.
After your evaluation and any necessary screenings, Dr. Shajan talks with you about possible treatment options. Even though no cure exists, asthma is easily manageable with the right medications and inhalers. Your asthma treatment plan may include:
- Long-term asthma control medications (for prevention)
- Quick-relief medications (for urgent rescue during asthma attacks)
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
When you begin asthma management care at Greenwich Primary Care, you also learn all about your triggers. Dr. Shajan spends time teaching you about how to avoid your asthma triggers, so you can lower the incidence of asthma attacks.
Greenwich Primary Care can help you manage your asthma and help lower the number and frequency of serious attacks. Book your asthma evaluation online, call to schedule, or walk in during business hours.
