Asthma Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common chronic condition affecting the bronchial tubes or airways. Inflammation and constriction of the airways result in symptoms that can vary in severity. Common triggers include:

• Environmental allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander)
• Smoke and strong odors
• Cold air or weather changes
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Respiratory infections

Asthma symptoms

Asthma symptoms can be mild and intermittent or severe and continuous, and may include:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty exhaling
• Persistent cough and sputum production

If you experience severe symptoms, such as an inability to speak in full sentences due to shortness of breath, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Diagnosing Asthma

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, our diagnostic approach includes:

• Comprehensive medical history – Evaluating symptoms, triggers, and family history
• Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) – Measuring lung function to assess airflow limitation
• Additional testing as needed – Chest X-rays and allergy testing may be recommended in some cases.

Asthma Treatment

Asthma management focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and preventing exacerbations. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, we utilize two primary types of medications to treat asthma:

1. Controller medications – Used daily to prevent symptoms and maintain long-term control. These may include inhaled corticosteroids and biologic therapies for severe cases.
2. Rescue inhalers and nebulizers – Fast-acting medications that quickly relieve acute symptoms by opening the airways. If you are using your rescue inhaler more than a few times per week, it may indicate that your asthma is not well-controlled, and adjustments to your treatment plan may be needed.

Inhaled medications are usually tried first; medication also comes in pill form. Most patients do not require long-term steroid pills to control their symptoms.

Addressing Difficult-to-Control Asthma

For patients with refractory asthma (asthma that remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications), advanced treatment options are available:

• Biologic therapies – Injectable medications that target specific inflammatory pathways
• Bronchial thermoplasty – A minimally invasive procedure using controlled heat to reduce airway smooth muscle mass, leading to improved asthma control

Our team carefully evaluates patients for these therapies to ensure they are appropriate candidates.

Lifestyle and Asthma Management

In addition to medications, lifestyle modifications can help minimize symptoms:

• Avoiding triggers – Identifying and reducing exposure to known allergens
• Proper medication use – Ensuring correct inhaler technique and adherence to prescribed treatments
• Exercise and fitness – Staying active while managing exercise-induced symptoms
• Nutrition and wellness – Maintaining a balanced diet to support overall lung health

You and your physician will discuss the medication and lifestyle modifications that are right for you.

Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?

• Expert physicians – Our pulmonologists specialize in asthma management and advanced therapies.
• Comprehensive care – We offer cutting-edge treatments and personalized plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Patient-centered approach – Our respiratory therapists and nurses provide education and support to ensure optimal asthma control.
• Convenient access – With multiple hospital affiliations and an easily accessible Scottsdale location, we provide seamless care coordination.

Physicians Specializing in Asthma

The lung doctors at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists are experts in the diagnosis and management of asthma. We will work to ensure you have the correct diagnosis and create a treatment plan to keep your asthma in excellent control. Our respiratory therapists and nurses are available to ensure that you are using your medications correctly and answer questions.