Our Approach to Asthma Treatment
Asthma can seriously compromise your quality of life and threaten your overall wellness. Although there is no cure for the condition, Dr. Oksana Senyk offers different forms of asthma treatment at her Birmingham, AL-area practice to help you effectively manage symptoms so that you can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. To learn more about our approach to treating asthma, schedule a consultation with Dr. Senyk today.
Common Symptoms of Asthma
Identifying your particular symptoms is one of the first steps of developing an effective treatment regimen. Symptoms of asthma can vary widely and range from minor to life-threatening. You may be suffering from asthma if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble sleeping because it is hard to breath
- Pain or tightness in your chest
- Dry coughing or wheezing
Symptoms may become worse in response to exercise or exposure to certain irritants. Asthma can also manifest itself differently as you grow older.
Even if you have already been diagnosed with asthma at another practice, our tests can pinpoint your specific triggers and allow us to develop a more personalized treatment plan.
Diagnostic Tests for Asthma
Asthma symptoms can often mirror those of other conditions, so many cases can go undiagnosed. As a result, Dr. Senyk will perform a thorough diagnosis before recommending a course of treatment. Dr. Senyk can utilize a variety of tests, including a pulmonary function test (PFT). A PFT will measure air flow, lung capacity, and other aspects of breathing. We feature a stress-free, minimally invasive PFT that is appropriate for virtually all patients, including pregnant women, adults, children, and those with underlying health conditions. Even if you have already been diagnosed with asthma at another practice, our tests can pinpoint your specific triggers and allow us to develop a more personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Options
If we determine that you are suffering from asthma, Dr. Senyk will recommend treatment based on your unique needs. There is no cure for asthma. However, recent medical advances enable patients to better control symptoms so that they can continue to enjoy the activities they love. In most cases, Dr. Senyk will recommend two kinds of medications that are taken in pill form or with an inhaler. Quick-relief medications can enhance breathing and help to prevent an asthma attack, but they are not designed to address the underlying causes of asthma. Therefore, Dr. Senyk will typically prescribe an additional long-term medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. If you are seeking asthma treatment for your child, she will generally prescribe the lowest dose possible.
Since airborne substances can also trigger asthma symptoms, Dr. Senyk may also prescribe anti-allergy shots or pills. Furthermore, she will seek to identify the specific irritants that are exacerbating your symptoms so that you can take steps to avoid exposure to them. After beginning treatment, you will undergo regular follow-up visits with Dr. Senyk so that she can monitor your progress and adjust your care, as needed. Asthma symptoms may change during different stages of your life, so you will need to continue regular appointments indefinitely.
Schedule an Asthma Evaluation
If you believe you or your child may be suffering from asthma, you deserve comprehensive, compassionate care. Contact our practice today to find out how Dr. Senyk can help.
