Asthma
Definition
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. It is often triggered by allergens, irritants, infections, or physical activity and can result in episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Related Specialists
Showing 3 of 169
Related Fact Sheets
Related Clinical Trials
Showing 2 of 4
Related News
Related Departments
Asthma & Airways Disease Program
Our asthma and airway disease experts offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment for a broad spectrum of conditions including: Treatment-resistant asthma Steroid-dependent asthma Steroid-resistant asthma Environmental and occupational asthma Exercise-induced asthma We frequently take care of patients with chronic cough, asthma that is difficult to control, as well as those whose condition is difficult to diagnose and who may be significantly affected by such co-occurring illnesses as gastroesophageal reflux, sinusitis, or vocal-cord dysfunction. We develop individualized care plans for all patients, with the goal of forming a working partnership with the referring primary care provider. Our skilled group includes three pulmonologists, one physician assistant, asthma nurse coordinators, and pulmonary function technicians trained in asthma education. We work closely with our colleagues in allergy and immunology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology and occupational and environmental medicine to coordinate an efficient and comprehensive process of evaluation for patients with complicated asthma. In conjunction with occupational and environmental medicine specialists, we may perform workplace or home environmental evaluations.Pediatric Asthma Program
We employ a multidisciplinary approach to care for children’s asthma, which is the most common chronic respiratory illness in children, affecting 5 to 10% of all children in the United States, and accounting for the majority of missed school days. One-third of all emergency department visits are related to asthma, and it is the common reason children are admitted to hospitals.The goals of asthma therapy are to have children lead normal, active lives, and prevent the occurrence of frequent troublesome symptoms or the need for emergency visits and hospitalization. Asthma rates have been on the rise over the past 15 to 20 years. Although asthma cannot be cured, and may be a life-threatening illness, it can be well controlled with proper medication and education. All of our physicians and medical staff who participate in any aspect of children's asthma care work together as a team. This team, the Pediatric Asthma Care Team (PACT), includes pediatricians and pediatric pulmonologists, allergists, emergency department physicians, intensivists, a nurse practitioner, and certified asthma educators.