Many of our patients have suffered from frequent or severe asthma attacks. Some had all but lost hope in effectively managing their symptoms and living a normal life. Even slight exposure to an allergen or mild physical activity could trigger an attack. But after seeking treatment at Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers, many of those patients are now living happier, more symptom-controlled lives.
While other doctors may focus only on easing symptoms, Dr. Mardiney strives to identify the underlying cause of your attacks. Through allergy testing and immunotherapy, Dr. Mardiney and his team can help you pinpoint your asthma triggers and reduce — or in some cases eliminate — the reactions they cause.
Asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflammation in the airways. This inflammation narrows the bronchial tubes, obstructing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Common asthma symptoms include:
When these symptoms worsen, it can lead to what is known as an “asthma attack.” During an attack, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and produces thicker mucus, which can make breathing difficult. These attacks may be triggered by exposure to certain asthma triggers.
Asthma triggers are substances or conditions that can lead to asthma attacks. Triggers vary from person to person, so it is important to identify your specific triggers and take steps to avoid them. Some of the most common asthma triggers include:
Allergy-induced asthma occurs when your immune system overreacts to an allergen, causing the muscles around your airways to tighten. Taking steps to avoid these allergens — or building tolerance to them through immunotherapy — can help you better manage your asthma symptoms.
To accurately diagnose and assess the severity of your condition, your asthma specialist may order lung function testing. This type of asthma testing typically involves breathing into a device designed to measure lung capacity. Our clinics offer the following lung function tests:
Testing, combined with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history, allows your physician to accurately diagnose your condition and create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms. Asthma is typically classified into categories ranging from mild, intermittent symptoms to severe, persistent disease. Determining the severity of your asthma helps your specialist choose the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Once it is determined that asthma is the cause of your breathing difficulties, your physician can begin developing an asthma action plan.
An asthma action plan provides guidance on which medications to take, how to avoid asthma triggers, how to respond to symptoms, and when to seek emergency care. This plan also helps you monitor your level of asthma control, allowing your specialist to adjust treatment as needed. The goal of your asthma action plan is to control your symptoms using the least amount of medication necessary.
To help achieve this, you may be asked to use a device called a peak flow meter, which measures how well your lungs are functioning. This device helps you and your doctor monitor how effective your medications are and may help you prevent an asthma emergency. Alternatively, we offer Aluna Remote Patient Monitoring for lung function, which allows your care team to track your breathing between visits and make more informed treatment decisions.
Most people with asthma should carry quick-relief medications with them at all times to stop symptoms as soon as they begin. These medicines, called bronchodilators, work quickly to relax the muscles around your airways, allowing more air to flow through.
Your asthma specialist may also recommend using your medication before activities — such as exercise — that may trigger an asthma attack.
Long-term treatments help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and prevent future attacks over time. There are two main types of long-term treatment options:
Immunotherapy
Asthma Biologic Therapies
Medications
If you are experiencing breathing difficulties or struggling to control your asthma, don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Our asthma specialists are here to help you effectively manage your condition and breathe easier.
If you have any questions about asthma, asthma testing, or any of the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (877) 878-9314 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We can help you schedule a visit with an asthma specialist at any of our three convenient Maryland locations.
Early signs can include increased coughing, mild shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or feeling unusually tired during activity. Recognizing these symptoms early and using your prescribed quick-relief medication can help prevent a more serious asthma attack.
Asthma triggers vary from person to person but often include allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. Other common triggers include exercise, cold air, respiratory infections, smoke, and strong odors or fragrances.
Asthma is typically diagnosed using a combination of your medical history, symptom review, and lung function testing such as spirometry. In some cases, additional tests like nitric oxide testing may be used to measure airway inflammation and help determine the severity of your condition.
Yes. Allergies are a common cause of asthma flare-ups. When you’re exposed to allergens, your immune system can trigger airway inflammation and tightening, leading to breathing difficulties. Identifying and treating allergies can significantly improve asthma control.
An asthma action plan is a personalized guide created by your doctor that outlines your daily medications, how to recognize worsening symptoms, how to avoid triggers, and when to seek emergency care. It helps you manage asthma confidently and respond quickly to changes in your condition.
Most people with asthma should carry a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler at all times. These medications work rapidly to relax the muscles around your airways and open them during sudden symptoms or an asthma attack.
Long-term controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma attacks. They are taken daily to keep asthma under control, even when you feel well. Some patients may use combination inhalers that include both a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator.
Yes. If your asthma is triggered by allergies, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help reduce your immune system’s sensitivity to those triggers. Over time, this can lead to fewer and less severe asthma attacks.
Advanced biologic treatments such as Xolair® may be recommended for patients with moderate to severe allergic asthma that is not well controlled with standard inhalers and medications. Your specialist will determine if this type of therapy is appropriate for you.
There is no permanent cure for asthma, but it can be effectively managed. With the right treatment plan, many people experience fewer symptoms, fewer attacks, and can live active, healthy lives.
