Asthma is a chronic disease marked by difficulty with breathing. Asthma causes a narrowing of the airways, resulting in wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. A comprehensive asthma and allergy evaluation is offered for patients with new onset or chronic severe asthma to assess potential triggers and to optimize asthma therapy. This includes investigation of asthma triggers such as environmental allergens in the home or workplace, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. Allergy skin testing and pulmonary function testing are a part of most evaluations. For patients with chronic severe asthma, ongoing management is directed at improving quality of life, and reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. In addition to routine allergy immunotherapy, anti-IgE therapy or breath exercise training is offered. The services also include education and treatment plans for women with asthma who are anticipating pregnancy or who are pregnant. Asthma specialists are available to patients by beeper 24 hours a day.
department
The Pulmonology Department comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, education, and rehabilitation services for a full range of pulmonary diseases and allergy conditions.