Originally published in YOUR Williamson —

Spring can be a common season for asthma flare-ups, so now’s the perfect time to learn more about the chronic condition. Laura Hunt, M.D., F.C.C.P., a pulmonologist with Williamson Health Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, wants to help more people understand asthma, its triggers and risk factors.

What Is Asthma?

“Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, making it more difficult to breathe,” Dr. Hunt explained. “While there’s no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.” Characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the air passages, asthma can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.

Doctors diagnose asthma through clinical evaluation, considering symptoms, medical history and a physical exam. “We ask about key symptoms like episodic shortness of breath, episodic chest tightness and recurring cough as well as excess thick mucus production,” Dr. Hunt said. “Then we ask questions about the patient’s history and risk factors and rule out other conditions.”

If more information is needed, pulmonologists may perform a methacholine challenge test to confirm the diagnosis.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Asthma

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing asthma, but the most common include:

• Severe viral bronchitis,
• Exposure to large amounts of pollution,
• Premature birth,
• Obesity,
• Second-hand smoke exposure in childhood,
• Heartburn, and
• Smoking.

“One of the warning signs I see most often that people don’t recognize is a prolonged cough with a routine cold,” Dr. Hunt said. “The whole family will have a cold, and the family members all stop coughing, but the person with asthma doesn’t.” Other warning signs include wheezing, especially at night, episodes of chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Allergies and Asthma

For some people, asthma is closely linked with allergies. People who have significant allergies are at a higher risk of developing the condition, and allergens like grass and tree pollens or mold spores can trigger asthma flare-ups. “Other triggers include exercise, cold air, stress and strong smells, like fumes or chemicals,” Dr. Hunt said.

Managing asthma symptoms is crucial year-round, but especially during peak allergy seasons. “Management of asthma usually starts with two inhalers,” Dr. Hunt said. “One is a rescue inhaler for symptom relief, and the other is a daily maintenance inhaler.” In severe cases, doctors may prescribe pills or biologic injections to regulate immune responses to triggers.

Should You See a Doctor?

Recognizing when to seek medical attention is essential—a severe asthma attack results in wheezing, chest constriction and acute coughing. Severe allergic reactions can involve similar respiratory symptoms, but will also include skin rashes or swelling of the lips and tongue. Both require urgent medical care.

“If you have your first-ever asthma attack or you’re very short of breath, the answer should always be the emergency room,” Dr. Hunt said.

If you do have asthma, there’s no reason to continue living with symptoms. Dr. Hunt and the physicians at Williamson Health Medical Group are ready to help you develop a treatment plan that allows you to breathe a little easier and manage your symptoms long-term.

“Asthma is probably the No. 1 diagnosis I see, and it’s so fixable,” Dr. Hunt said. “If a patient follows a treatment plan, 95% of the time we can control their symptoms. It’s so rewarding to help someone who has suffered.” To learn more about pulmonology at Williamson Health, click here.