Asthma Specialist
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Magnolia Allergy and Asthma
Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Physician located in Dallas & Corsicana, TX
Many people think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it affects about 8% of all children and adults, causing symptoms that range from an occasional, mild flare-up to frequent and severe breathing problems. As an asthma specialist, Monica Sandhu, DO, at Magnolia Allergy and Asthma offers asthma testing and comprehensive treatment that’s individualized to meet each person’s health needs. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in Dallas or Corsicana, Texas, or use the online booking feature.
Asthma Q&A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways in your lungs. You develop asthma when the airways become inflamed, which leads to swelling, increased mucus production, and airway tightening. These actions narrow or block your airways and make it hard to breathe.
Once you have asthma, your airways stay inflamed and become highly sensitive to certain substances that trigger an asthma attack.
What triggers an asthma attack?
Allergies often go together with asthma, so if you have allergies, chances are your allergens will trigger your asthma.
These are only some of the most common triggers:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Mold spores
- Cold air
- Acid reflux
- Stress
- Tobacco smoke
- Viral infections (flu or cold)
Many patients find that exercise triggers an asthma flare-up.
What symptoms develop due to asthma?
The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms vary for each person. You may have mild-to-severe symptoms, infrequent flare-ups, or daily attacks.
The symptoms of asthma include:
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Dry cough
Some patients find that their symptoms get worse at night. You may also have a persistent cough without other symptoms.
What type of treatment might I receive for asthma?
Dr. Sandhu reviews your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and performs pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, to verify a diagnosis of asthma. Then she develops a treatment plan that includes:
Asthma action plan
Dr. Sandhu helps you identify your asthma triggers and create a plan to avoid them. If allergens trigger your asthma, she may run allergy testing and begin allergy shots. As allergy shots diminish your body’s reaction to allergens, your asthma flare-ups also decline.
Quick-relief medications
Rescue inhalers provide quick relief at the start of an asthma attack by allowing you to inhale medication into your airways. The team at Magnolia Allergy and Asthma teaches you how to use your inhaler to ensure you get the optimal dose of medicine.
Long-term control medications
Dr. Sandhu may prescribe a long-term, daily medication to reduce inflammation and future flare-ups.
Biologic therapy
If you have severe asthma that doesn’t improve with inhalers and steroids, Dr. Sandhu may prescribe a biologic medication, such as Xolair®, Nucala®, Fasenra®, or Dupixent®. Biologics decrease the frequency of flare-ups and improve lung function by targeting specific molecules that contribute to asthma.
If you need expert treatment for asthma, call Magnolia Allergy and Asthma or schedule an appointment online.
