Asthma

If you struggle to breathe deeply, especially while exercising, you could have asthma. At Expedient Medical, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, board-eligible internal medicine physician Sarwat Khawar, MD, and his dedicated staff offer asthma treatments to help you breathe. Call the office to schedule an asthma screening, or use the online booking feature on this website today.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common chronic condition causing your airways to swell and narrow. It can make breathing difficult for you during exercise, when you’re ill, or while outdoors in cold weather. In some cases, asthma attacks are severe and even life-threatening when left untreated. See the Expedient Medical, PLLC, specialists at the first sign of breathing problems.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The common symptoms of asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing problems during exercise
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Coughing

These symptoms may appear only in certain situations, such as during physical activity or when seasonal allergies flare up. Your symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.

What are the risk factors for asthma?

The risk factors for developing asthma include:

• Seasonal allergies
• Family history of asthma
• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Exposure to polluted air
• Workplace toxin exposure
• Carrying excess body weight

Avoid air pollution and smoking to reduce your risk of asthma and its triggers. Properly treating seasonal allergies can help too.

How does my provider diagnose asthma?

Dr. Khawar and his staff review your medical history, check your vital signs, listen to your breathing, and complete a physical exam to screen for asthma. 

They provide painless breathing tests before and after taking medications to determine if you benefit from using an inhaler. You might also undergo blood testing, skin prick tests, or other diagnostic tests to screen for allergies.

How is asthma treated?

The most common treatment for asthma is using an inhaler, especially during exercise. Maintain an ideal body weight, eat nutritious foods, stay active, clean your home regularly, and change the air filters inside your home often.

If seasonal allergies contribute to worsening asthma symptoms, Dr. Khawar can treat allergies using oral medicines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots. Use your inhaler as often as needed to avoid severe shortness of breath. Dr. Khawar follows up with you periodically to make sure your asthma treatment works effectively. 

To get relief from breathing challenges related to asthma, schedule an appointment at Expedient Medical, PLLC, by phone or online today.