One out of twelve adults suffers from asthma. Primary care physicians do their best to treat the symptoms, but many patients require the help of a specialist. Pulmonologists are doctors who have undergone additional training in the area of lung disease. A pulmonologist Houston has valuable experience working with patients to manage their asthma symptoms.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the small tubes which carry air in and out of the lungs. When the lungs are irritated by a trigger such as smoke or pollen, the airways are constricted. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing.
When a patient with asthma symptoms visits a pulmonologist, the doctor will perform one or more diagnostic tests. The patient may be asked to blow forcefully into the mouthpiece of a spirometer or a peak flow meter. The spirometer measures the amount of air breathed in and out over a specified period of time. The peak flow meter measures the degree of obstruction in the airways.
If the doctor suspects a patient has an allergic form of asthma which is not confirmed by other tests, a bronchial provocation test may be conducted. The patient's lung function is measured before and after they breathe in a methacholine spray. Methacholine causes the airways to narrow in people with asthma.
After a patient has been diagnosed with asthma, the pulmonologist will prescribe medications and devise a daily management plan. The patient is taught to recognize the onset of an asthma attack and how to manage symptoms. The goal is to control the asthma so that it does not interfere with normal activities and never reaches the point of needing treatment in an emergency room.
A Harris County physician referral service can recommend a good pulmonologist Houston. When considering physicians, always check that they are board certified and accredited. Make sure the doctor you choose is covered by your healthcare plan.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the small tubes which carry air in and out of the lungs. When the lungs are irritated by a trigger such as smoke or pollen, the airways are constricted. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing.
When a patient with asthma symptoms visits a pulmonologist, the doctor will perform one or more diagnostic tests. The patient may be asked to blow forcefully into the mouthpiece of a spirometer or a peak flow meter. The spirometer measures the amount of air breathed in and out over a specified period of time. The peak flow meter measures the degree of obstruction in the airways.
If the doctor suspects a patient has an allergic form of asthma which is not confirmed by other tests, a bronchial provocation test may be conducted. The patient's lung function is measured before and after they breathe in a methacholine spray. Methacholine causes the airways to narrow in people with asthma.
After a patient has been diagnosed with asthma, the pulmonologist will prescribe medications and devise a daily management plan. The patient is taught to recognize the onset of an asthma attack and how to manage symptoms. The goal is to control the asthma so that it does not interfere with normal activities and never reaches the point of needing treatment in an emergency room.
A Harris County physician referral service can recommend a good pulmonologist Houston. When considering physicians, always check that they are board certified and accredited. Make sure the doctor you choose is covered by your healthcare plan.
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