Like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic condition marked by inflammation in your airways and decreased airflow. It is not a disease, but a term that refers to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or refractory asthma. The symptoms of COPD include: Frequent coughing Shortness of breath Wheezing A sensation of tightness in your chest Because the set of COPD symptoms you experience is unique, the treatment options are diverse. In general, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes any additional health issues that may be worsening your breathing function. To learn more about Dr. Parikh’s approach to treating asthma or COPD, schedule an appointment at Health One Family Medicine to get started as soon as possible.

Asthma / COPD Specialist In Irving, TX

If you’re among the estimated 26.5 million Americans living with asthma, you understand the importance of finding relief. Health One Family Medicine in Irving, Texas offers comprehensive asthma and COPD care to patients of all ages.

Asthma / COPD Q & A

Living a full, active, and healthy life with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory issues is possible, and that process begins with expert diagnosis and treatment. Schedule your appointment today by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that creates inflammation in your airways, restricting breath and creating many respiratory symptoms.

Asthma can occur at any age and seriously affect your ability to accomplish your daily routines.

Your airways allow air to flow to and from your lungs. Asthma narrows your airways, allowing less air to reach your lungs.

Many times, this leads to a snowballing effect, where additional swelling further narrows your airways and mucus production accelerates.

What are the risk factors for asthma?

Many factors increase your risk of developing asthma, although researchers don’t know the exact cause of this disease. Known risk factors include:

Genetic predisposition
History of childhood respiratory issues
Exposure to allergens or viral infections

Some experts believe that a Western lifestyle contributes to increasing asthma statistics.

Because US hygiene and sanitation standards are so high, there’s insufficient opportunity to develop immune systems that can handle environmental pollutants, leaving you at a higher risk of asthma.

How is asthma treated?

There’s no cure for asthma; treatment focuses on controlling the symptoms and improving quality of life.
Certain medications help you improve breathing and sleep through the night.
A key component of treating asthma is learning to identify your triggers and avoiding them to the greatest degree possible.
This practice can drastically reduce asthma attacks and help you live a full and rich life.
Treatment for asthma also includes:
- Healthy lifestyle choices
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss
- Treating for co-occurring health condition.

What is COPD?

Like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic condition marked by inflammation in your airways and decreased airflow.

It is not a disease, but a term that refers to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or refractory asthma.

The symptoms of COPD include:

Frequent coughing
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
A sensation of tightness in your chest

Because the set of COPD symptoms you experience is unique, the treatment options are diverse.

In general, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes any additional health issues that may be worsening your breathing function.

To learn more about Dr. Parikh’s approach to treating asthma or COPD, schedule an appointment at Health One Family Medicine to get started as soon as possible.