Asthma is no joke, which is why Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. provides the most cutting-edge treatments for patients suffering from asthma and asthma related symptoms in Ojai, California.

Asthma is not only the most common chronic disease among children, but it also affects a staggering number of adults – nearly 1 in 13 people have or develop asthma. This chronic illness is a condition that causes a person’s airways to become blocked and makes breathing difficult, sometimes to a dangerous extent. While the cause of asthma is still being researched, there are a number of well-known ‘triggers’ that can provoke irritations in the lungs and airways and cause asthmatic breathing to ensue.

Whether your asthma is mildly present during high air pollution days, preventing you from getting the exercise you crave, or even keeping you fearful of becoming too excited or laughing too hard, any degree of discomfort is too much. Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. believes that everyone should be able to breathe easy. Utilizing safest and most natural remedies for asthma Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. provides individualized treatments for sufferers in Ojai, California.

Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. helps patients suffering from asthma in Ojai, California. Call (805) 586-3432 and speak with Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. today to find relief with customized asthma management treatments.

Common Triggers of Asthma

Asthma can be frustrating and frightening, but, luckily, it has some common and easily recognizable triggers that can help you know what to look for in preparation to avoid them. These triggers include:

Airborne irritants are not the same as allergens. Irritants are substances that, through repeated exposure, your body has learned to fight off, usually resulting in inflammation. These substances can include chemicals used to make paints, adhesives, insulation and furniture, or those found in aerosols, as well as more natural irritants such as chlorine or smoke.

Air pollution is any harmful gas or chemical, natural or not, that has contaminated the air. Common air pollutants include fuel oils, natural gases, manufacturing by-products, bacteria, animal dander (and saliva), dust mites, and more.

Sadly, asthma attacks are often triggered by other ailments or conditions that put strain on the body, only adding to the suffering. Respiratory infections such as the flu or common cold, and sinus infections may be triggers.

Other conditions that can be problematic include obesity, poor sleep (or sleep apnea), and even pregnancy may cause complications.

While physical activity can increase lung capacity and health and, therefore generally improve your relationship with asthma, strenuous activity can also cause your throat to cool and/or dry, worsening your condition.

When the air becomes hot or humid, it becomes a breeding ground for common allergens. On the other hand, when the air becomes cold and dry, it can dry out your airways. Either can be a trigger and both are frustrating.

Certain medications have been known to trigger asthmatic symptoms, these can include: aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs that are non-steroidal (motrin, advil, aleve, etc), and certain beta-blockers.

Risk Factors For Asthma

Asthma affects 1 in 13 people and is the most common chronic illness in children. While it is a genetic disease, there is no single gene that carries it and having two parents with or without asthma does not guarantee that a child will or will not begin exhibiting symptoms. Likewise, a person may still develop asthma as an adult, even if they had not had it during childhood.

That said, common risk factors for childhood asthma include:

  • a parent or sibling with asthma
  • exposure to secondhand smoke
  • indoor and outdoor air pollutants
  • being overweight or obese
  • other allergies or skin conditions

Risk factors for adults include all of the above as well as:

  • smoking
  • occupational triggers (such as chemicals for manufacturing or hairdressing, or smoke exposure to firefighters)

Diagnosing Asthma

Because asthma is such a common disease, the steps for testing and diagnosing it are tried and true. It is important to schedule a visit with your doctor right away when you first begin experiencing symptoms of asthma.

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and go over your health history before conducting a physical and continuing with testing. You can help your doctor by being able to provide information about your family history and possible triggers.

You may be asked to participate in diagnostic testing such as a breathing test – called spirometry – to determine how well your lungs are functioning, or allergy testing to ensure that another lung disease is not the culprit.

Common Symptoms of Asthma

While the triggers of asthma can vary from cats and thunderstorms to gym class or the flu, the symptoms are common and usually very recognizable. Many of these symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Chest Tightness or Pain
  • Wheezing When Exhaling
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Respiratory Ailments
  • Exercise Fatigue
  • Mood Changes
  • Low PEF Readings
Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. believes that common does not have to mean and should not mean permanent and is determined to help relieve Ojai, California patients of their asthma-related symptoms.

Asthma Doctor Ojai Bernhoft

Breathe Easier and Live a Life of Possibilities

Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. treats Ojai, California patients suffering from the symptoms of asthma and will help you breathe easier with safe and natural treatments.

Call (805) 586-3432 to speak with Robin A. Bernhoft, M.D. and schedule a consultation at our Ojai, California location today.