Asthma

Our approach to asthma care

Asthma isn't fun. It can disrupt your life, or your child's life, both day and night. We understand the challenges you face. Breathe easier — we're here to help.

Our team will first listen to you. Then we'll work with you to diagnose your asthma, help determine your triggers and develop a personalized action plan that works for you.

We're also here along the way with meaningful support, including educational programs, a certified counselor and triage nurses. We'll help you manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and live a full and active life.

Signs and symptoms

Asthma is a lifelong condition that can make it hard to breathe. It causes the airways that lead to the lungs to swell and get inflamed.

Signs and symptoms of asthma include:

• cough only at night
• "barking" cough throughout the day
• shortness of breath
• wheezing or tightness in the chest

Many people also experience exercise-induced asthma and only show symptoms during physical activity or exertion.

Your asthma can also be triggered by things you’re allergic to, including:

• dust or dust mites
• pet dander
• indoor mold
• pollen
• dry, cold air

When to seek care

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of asthma can help prevent serious complications.

Our steps to a diagnosis

Understanding and dealing with asthma can seem overwhelming. We're here to make it easier.

Our team of experienced health care professionals will work closely with you to identify the root cause of the asthma symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.

• Initial consultation: We'll start by gathering detailed information about your symptoms, medical history and current medications. Then we’ll perform a thorough physical examination.
• Diagnostic tests: Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend one or more diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. This may include blood tests, imaging studies (such as X-rays or ultrasounds) or specialized lung function tests.
• Review of results and diagnosis: Once the test results are available, we'll review them with you and explain the diagnosis. We'll answer any questions you may have and discuss the next steps in your treatment.

Our treatment options

Asthma treatment should help you breathe easier and achieve good control of symptoms during the day, at night and after exercise.

We'll partner with you to create a treatment plan to take charge of your asthma, including controlling asthma over the long term and treating attacks when they occur.

Your treatment will depend on your individual symptoms, the severity of your condition and any risk factors you may have. Treatment options include:

• controller medications: These medications are taken regularly to prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
• quick-relief medications: Also called rescue medications, these are used to relieve asthma symptoms when they occur.
• allergy immunotherapy: This treatment is used to reduce your sensitivity to allergens that trigger your asthma.
• bronchial thermoplasty: This procedure uses heat to reduce the amount of muscle in your airways, which can help improve airflow and reduce asthma symptoms.
• singulair (Montelukast): This medication, taken in tablet form, has demonstrated benefits for asthma and allergies.
• injectable biologics: These have been shown to dramatically reduce asthma symptoms in certain types of asthma.

Treatment also includes things you can do to control your symptoms, like avoiding your triggers and following your asthma action plan.

We also recommend that you have regular checkups. Make sure you know how and when to call your doctor or go to the hospital.

Treatment for your child includes avoiding asthma triggers, using prescribed medications and tracking daily asthma symptoms to control asthma.

Why choose WellSpan for Asthma care?

Choosing a doctor is an important decision. When it comes to receiving the best possible care for asthma, you can trust our experts.

Our team of experienced and dedicated doctors and nurses provide personalized treatment plans that help you get back to feeling your best.

We’re here for convenient access to asthma medications and treatment options, and we offer online virtual visits right from your couch.