Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is caused by inflammation of the airways and bronchi. This inflammation leads to the narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe normally. The symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can occur suddenly and without warning, making it difficult for people with asthma to carry out their daily activities.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, and it affects more than 25 million Americans. The condition can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, as well as infections, exercise, cold air, and stress.
When a patient comes in with breathing problems, Dr. McElya will start with a pulmonary function test, which is a non-invasive test that measures how well the lungs take in and exhale air. This test also measures the movement of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. It evaluates lung capacity and the capacity of the airways, which helps to determine the severity of the respiratory illness.
A patient with asthma would have normal or only slightly restricted airways, while a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would have significantly more impaired airways. The test can also help to determine if a patient has emphysema or chronic bronchitis, which are other respiratory illnesses that can cause breathing problems.
For an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, Dr. McElya may refer patients to a pulmonologist. A pulmonologist is a specialist who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis. They will provide more detailed insight into the condition and offer the best treatment options available to the patient.