Asthma

Asthma services offered in The Loop, Chicago, IL

More than 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma, a chronic condition that affects your airways. Wheezing and coughing are common signs of asthma, but with the right care from the team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care in The Loop of downtown Chicago, Illinois, you can breathe easier. For accurate diagnosis and lasting asthma relief, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. With asthma, your airways become:

  • Inflamed
  • Swollen
  • Sensitive
  • Frequently filled with mucus

Muscles around your airways also tighten, restricting your breathing even more. 

While asthma sometimes runs in families, certain environmental factors can bring on an asthma attack. These triggers include:

  • Allergens, including pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites 
  • Airborne irritants, including chemical fumes, smoke, and air pollution
  • Medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen
  • Extreme weather
  • Exercise or stress
  • Upper respiratory infections (cold)

Chronic health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, can trigger or worsen symptoms of asthma. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common signs of asthma are:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Tightness in your chest
  • Shortness of breath

A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

How is asthma treated?

Your Michigan Avenue Primary Care provider will work with you to create a treatment plan to offer quick relief and long-term management of your condition. They may recommend:

  • A corticosteroid inhaler
  • An albuterol inhaler
  • Allergy shots

If you have severe asthma, your provider may suggest you also take the antibiotic azithromycin, commonly known as a Z-pack, to help prevent respiratory infections and improve your quality of life.

The goal of your treatment is to prevent uncomfortable symptoms and:

  • Help you maintain healthy, well-functioning lungs
  • Allow you to continue doing all the activities you enjoy
  • Give you a restful night’s sleep
  • Prevent asthma attacks that could result in an emergency room visit or hospital stay

If you’re ready to get relief from troublesome asthma symptoms, call Michigan Avenue Primary Care or request an appointment online today.