Asthma in Denton, TX

Breathing is something we are supposed to do consistently and easily. However, this is not always the case for every person. As one of the most common chronic conditions that impacts children and adults alike, asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and causes the airways to become inflamed. Asthma can be accompanied by a cough, wheeze, and tightness felt in the chest, all of which can drastically get in the way of healthy physical activity, playing sports, household chores, and living life to the fullest. Thankfully, our experienced physicians and providers at Health Services of North Texas (HSNT) can offer patients a range of customized treatment plans to address the signs and symptoms of asthma and make breathing without a struggle a normal part of everyday life.

Some of the most common signs of asthma include:

• Wheezing
• A tight feeling concentrated in the chest area
• Persistent coughing, especially in the mornings or at night
• Shortness of breath

To find out for sure if you or your child have asthma, we will perform a physical evaluation that includes listening to the lungs for overwork or activity. We will also ask a comprehensive series of questions about any symptoms you may have noticed. If asthma is diagnosed, our team will work with you or your family to determine the best solutions for management.

Although asthma is chronic, it can be controlled with proper care and medication. At our office, our highly trained physicians and providers have experience in handling children with asthma. If you feel as if your child is suffering from asthma, it's critical that you get a health checkup. An asthma screening is the first step. Once you have a diagnosis, our provider will make a recommendation about treatment.

Asthma diagnosis involves a combination of evaluating a patient's medical history, performing a physical examination, and potentially ordering or performing various tests to evaluate lung function and airway responsiveness. Our knowledgeable healthcare providers may start by discussing symptoms, triggers, and family history with the patient (or their parent). Physical exams may reveal wheezing, chest tightness, or other respiratory signs. Lung function tests, like spirometry, assess the volume and flow of air in and out of the lungs. Peak flow measurements track daily lung function changes. Additionally, bronchial provocation tests may be conducted to determine airway sensitivity. By combining these assessments, our team can accurately diagnose asthma and tailor effective treatment plans to manage symptoms for an improved quality of life overall.

What are the different kinds of asthma?

• Chronic asthma
• Intermittent asthma
• Seasonal allergic asthma
• Non-seasonal allergic asthma
• Adult-onset asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Does asthma go away on its own?

Children will commonly grow out of asthma as they get older. However, asthma can go away only to return months or years later.

How can I tell if I have asthma?

The only way to know for sure that your shortness of breath is caused by asthma is to have a physical exam with a physician. However, common symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing and/or wheezing
• Wheezing when exhaling (common for children’s asthma)
• Sleep problems caused by breathing problems

Can other conditions be mistaken for asthma?

Yes, they can. Other conditions such as allergies, colds and flu, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, hyperventilation, and more have very similar symptoms.

At HSNT, our team understands how strongly your ability to breathe with ease can impact every facet of how you live. By diagnosing and treating your asthma, our hope is that your treatment helps in performing your daily activities and enjoying life. If you suspect that you or your child may have asthma, or if your child has recently been diagnosed with asthma, contact our team in Denton, Wylie, or Plano, TX.

Request an appointment today with one of our skilled physicians or practitioners.