Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment in Houston, TX ,
Asthma can range from an occasional nuisance to severe, life-threatening breathing problems. At Houston Family MD, board-certified family medicine physician Ranjit Grewal, MD, and his team diagnose and treat asthma in children and adults throughout Houston, TX , and Cypress. With an accurate diagnosis and a personalized asthma action plan, you or your child can breathe easier and get back to the activities you enjoy.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed, swollen, and narrowed, making it harder to breathe. During an asthma flare-up, the muscles around the airways tighten and extra mucus may form. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may change over time, which is why ongoing care from a trusted family doctor is so important.
Symptoms of Asthma
Common asthma symptoms include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning
- Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing
- Trouble sleeping due to breathing problems
Symptoms often worsen with exercise, colds or flu, allergies, cold or dry weather, smoke, or exposure to chemical fumes. If you have severe difficulty breathing that does not improve with your rescue inhaler, call 911.
Risk Factors for Asthma
Your chances of developing asthma increase if you have a family history of asthma or allergies. Other risk factors include being overweight, smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to air pollution or workplace irritants. Poorly controlled asthma can interfere with work, school, exercise, and sleep.
How Asthma Is Diagnosed
Dr. Grewal reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. Lung function tests, such as spirometry, measure how well you breathe before and after taking a bronchodilator, a medication that opens the airways. Depending on your symptoms, he may also recommend chest X-rays or allergy testing to identify triggers.
Asthma Treatment Options
Based on the severity of your asthma, your treatment plan may include:
Asthma Management and Counseling
Preventing flare-ups is the key to living well with asthma. Our team helps you recognize your triggers, track your breathing, and follow a written asthma action plan so you know what to do when symptoms change.
Inhalers
Quick-relief inhalers open your airways during a flare-up, while controller inhalers reduce airway inflammation over time to prevent symptoms. Dr. Grewal teaches you how and when to use each one.
Allergy Treatments
If allergies make your asthma worse, allergy medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) may help you breathe more comfortably.
Trigger Avoidance
Simple steps at home can make a big difference, such as running an air conditioner, cleaning regularly to reduce dust, limiting pet dander, and removing mold from kitchens and bathrooms.
For patients who also struggle with excess weight, our medical weight loss program can help improve breathing and asthma control.
Asthma Treatment FAQs
Can asthma be cured?
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be well controlled with the right treatment plan, allowing most people to live active, healthy lives.
What triggers asthma attacks?
Common triggers include allergens like pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander, as well as exercise, respiratory infections, smoke, cold air, and chemical fumes.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Dr. Grewal reviews your symptoms and history, performs a physical exam, and uses lung function tests to measure how well you breathe before and after a bronchodilator.
Do you treat asthma in children?
Yes. As a family medicine practice, we diagnose and manage asthma in both children and adults.
What is the difference between a rescue inhaler and a controller inhaler?
A rescue inhaler quickly opens the airways during a flare-up. A controller inhaler is used daily to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms over time.
Can allergies make asthma worse?
Yes. Allergies are a common asthma trigger. Allergy testing helps identify your triggers so we can treat them and improve asthma control.
When should I seek emergency care for asthma?
Call 911 if you have severe shortness of breath, trouble speaking, bluish lips or fingernails, or symptoms that do not improve after using your rescue inhaler.
Breathe Easier With Expert Asthma Care
Do not let asthma limit your life. Call Houston Family MD at (281) 477-0525 or request an appointment online to get an asthma evaluation and treatment plan today.