Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and affects more than 500,000 adults in Tennessee. Asthma symptoms vary from person to person but can worsen over time. At StatCare, which has three locations in Knoxville, and others in Oak Ridge and Athens, Tennessee, pulmonary specialists use advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and treat asthma. For one-on-one expert care for your asthma, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. With asthma, your breathing tubes, or airways, swell and produce thick, sticky mucus. The muscles that surround the airways also constrict or tighten.

The swelling, mucus, and constriction cause your airways to narrow, making it harder to get air in and out of your lungs. Common asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing when you exhale
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Chronic coughing
• Difficulty sleeping

Though asthma is chronic, StatCare provides expert care to help you manage your symptoms. 

What causes asthma?

A combination of genetic and environmental factors may cause asthma, making your lungs more sensitive to various irritants or triggers. 

Common asthma triggers include:

• Environmental allergies (dust, mold, grass, pollen, pet dander)
• Seasonal allergies (pollen, grass)
• Respiratory infections (common cold, flu)
• Temperature or weather changes
• Stress or exercise
• Strong odors
• Medications
• Tobacco smoke
• Exhaust fumes

Knowing your asthma triggers helps direct your treatment to improve your symptoms. 

What can I expect during an asthma evaluation?

When you visit StatCare for an asthma evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive exam. Your provider uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools to fully evaluate your lung function and identify irritants that trigger your asthma.

During your visit, your physician reviews your symptoms, medical history, current medication regimen, and performs a physical exam. Your evaluation may also include various diagnostic tests, such as:

• Nitric oxide test
• Allergy testing (skin test, scratch test)
• Pulmonary function test
• Oxygen measurement
• Simple pulmonary stress test

Your pulmonologist also asks detailed questions about your asthma, including the frequency of your attacks and asthmatic episodes. 

How is asthma treated?

Your StatCare physician takes a personalized approach to care and tailors your asthma treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, your asthma triggers, and your medical history. 

Asthma treatment at StatCare may include:

• Short-acting inhalers to manage an asthma attack
• Long-acting inhalers (steroids) to keep your airways open
• Inhaler with biologics
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Immunotherapy
• Biological treatment (Xolair®, Fasenra®, Dupixent®)
• Allergy drops  

The StatCare team values patient education and helps patients learn how to properly administer their inhalant medication. They also can evaluate the effectiveness of your asthma treatment plan and identify patients with poorly controlled asthma. 

To get asthma treatment from an expert team that understands the condition and provides personalized care, call the nearest StatCare office or book an appointment online today.