Asthma affects 300 million people across the world each year, out of which 25 million are Americans. While there is no cure for this condition, it can be controlled through the right, long-term medication. The method to control this condition starts by identifying the causes behind it. 

Before we dive deeper into the condition and the ways to control it, let’s have a look at what asthma is all about.

Asthma is a long-term disease that causes blockage and soreness in the airways of an individual’s lungs. When a person has asthma, his/her airways will tend to get blocked and create excess mucus. This results in difficulty in breathing during an Asthma attack. The wheezing and chronic attacks of breathlessness differ in frequency and severity from individual to individual.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma is classified into 4 general categories – mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent. The symptoms of all these 4 categories may vary. Some of the common symptoms of Asthma are:

• Tightness of Chest
• Shortness of Breath
• Wheezing 
• Trouble in sleeping
• Coughing (at night and while laughing or working out)

If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is highly recommended to reach a physician and start the treatment right away. Any signs of this breathing disease can become severe if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to consult a professional Asthma & Allergy Specialist like Dr. William F Long for the diagnosis and controlling the condition. 

Whether you need consultation for your children or for yourself, you can visit his clinic in Temple or Harker Heights by calling on 254-773-8916 or (254) 432-5945. Dr. Long specializes in skin, inhalant, and food allergies diagnosis as well. 

What Triggers the symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma can be triggered due to several causes in both children and adults. Some of the common yet major causes are:

• Exposure to allergens (like animal dander, dust mites, ragweed, and pollen)
• Extreme weather conditions
• Allergies from strong odors, chemical fumes or smoke
• Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin
• A respiratory infection such as sinus, flu, and cold
• Exercise
• Any strong emotions like crying, laughing or shouting that affects standard breathing patterns

Remember, the allergy symptoms of Asthma can appear without prior notice. A mild attack can last for a few minutes, whereas severe attacks can last from hours to days. 

Children with a family history of asthma are more prone to acquiring it. However, a few children may experience this ailment because of some food allergies. This type of asthma is known as Allergic Asthma. 

If you or your child is experiencing any breathing difficulty that affects your daily activity and lowers the quality of life then book your consultation with Dr. Long as soon as you can. 

He will not only help you recognize the early warning signs but also coach you during an emergency and provide you the right treatment. His clinics are available in two convenient locations – Temple Texas and Harker Heights Texas.

How Can Dr. Long Analyze the Severity of Asthma?

To analyze the severity of asthma, Dr. Long will ask you some questions regarding the symptoms and let you know how bad they are along with the results of your diagnostic tests and physical exam. After understanding the severity of the condition, he will make a personalized treatment plan for you to deliver the best results. 

How can I manage Asthma?

• Monitor asthma to recognize signs when it gets worse
• Find out and then minimize contact with asthma triggers
• Take medication as prescribed by a specialist.
• Know what to do when your condition gets worse

When you work with an Asthma & Allergy Specialist like Dr. William F Long, he will determine the best way to take care of your condition. 

Evaluation and Treatment

After your symptoms are determined, early diagnosis for asthma becomes essential to avoid any further severity. There are several treatments that include the use of medicated inhalers for an asthma attack, oral medications to treat lung constriction, inflammation, and more. 

In case you develop any asthma symptoms or they occur more frequently, don’t hesitate to contact Harker Heights & Temple Allergy and Asthma Clinics. 

At Harker Heights & Temple Allergy and Asthma Clinics, you will get the right diagnosis and treatment for your breathing condition. Be it allergic or non-allergic, Dr. Long and his team will provide you with a customized treatment plan as per the severity of your breathing condition. 

Book a consultation today!

Temple Texas Allergy Clinic: 254-773-8916

Harker Heights Allergy Clinic: (254) 432-5945