Individualized Care for Patients with Exercise-induced Asthma
Exercise is one of the most under-diagnozed factors that can contribute to asthma. Often occurring in children, exercise-induced asthma can go unrecognized even into adulthood. Dr. Oksana Senyk can perform a professional diagnosis for exercise-induced asthma at our Birmingham, AL-area practice and provide effective treatment so that you or your child can safely lead an active life. To schedule an asthma consultation with Dr. Senyk, contact our practice today.
What Is Exercise-induced Asthma?
Asthma is a common, chronic lung condition that causes airways to narrow, swell, and produce excess mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. With exercise-induced asthma, symptoms are triggered during strenuous activities. In addition to athletic activities, patients with exercise-induced asthma may also experience symptoms when singing, talking, or performing other actions that put stress on the lungs.
Diagnosing Exercise-induced Asthma
Many parents and teachers assume that children naturally tire easily. Furthermore, young boys often ignore shortness of breath. As a result, exercise-induced asthma is frequently under-diagnosed, especially among young patients. You may be suffering from exercise-induced asthma if you experience difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, or tightness or pain in the chest during strenuous activities.
If we diagnose you with exercise-induced asthma, we will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the nature and severity of your symptoms.
If you notice any of these symptoms, Dr. Senyk can use several diagnostic tests to determine if you have exercise-induced asthma. A pulmonary function test (PFT) is one of the most common. This exam will measure oxygen absorption, lung capacity, and other aspects of your lung health. In some cases, Dr. Senyk may also recommend a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), which involves riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill while lung and heart function are measured closely.
Treating Exercise-induced Asthma
If we diagnose you with exercise-induced asthma, we will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the nature and severity of your symptoms. Typically, Dr. Senyk will treat the condition with different types of medications that are administered in pill form or through an inhaler. Long-term medications are designed to address the underlying causes of lung inflammation and help reduce your risk for an asthma attack. Dr. Senyk will also prescribe medication that is taken before beginning exercise. During the course of treatment, it is important to keep exercising. Dr. Senyk will provide guidelines to help you gradually and safely build up activity levels and increase your stamina.
Contact Us to Learn More
To learn more about exercise-induced asthma, schedule a consultation with Dr. Senyk today.
