Asthma Treatment in Mt. Airy and Kernersville, NC
Asthma can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious, life-limiting condition. Our pulmonology team offers testing, ongoing management, and advanced treatment options, including bronchial thermoplasty, for patients whose symptoms aren’t controlled by medication alone.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic, long-term condition that intermittently inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Symptoms can flare up in response to triggers and vary widely from person to person, ranging from occasional mild wheezing to severe, frequent attacks.
Common Symptoms
- Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning
- Symptoms that worsen with exercise, allergens, or respiratory infections
What Triggers Asthma?
Common triggers include allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, smoke, and strong odors. If allergies are contributing to your asthma symptoms, our allergy team can help identify and manage your specific triggers.
How We Diagnose Asthma
Diagnosis typically involves spirometry and other pulmonary function tests, and in some cases a methacholine challenge test to help confirm asthma when symptoms and initial testing aren’t conclusive.
Treatment Options
Most asthma is well controlled with inhaled medications and trigger avoidance. For patients with severe asthma that doesn’t respond well to standard treatment, we offer bronchial thermoplasty, an FDA-approved procedure delivered by the Alair™ System in three outpatient sessions. Dr. Javaid is one of the few physicians in the state who performs this treatment. Learn more on our Pulmonary page.
Asthma FAQs
What’s the difference between mild and severe asthma?
Mild asthma typically involves occasional symptoms that respond well to a rescue inhaler, while severe asthma involves frequent, more intense symptoms that may not be well controlled by standard medications alone.
Can adults develop asthma later in life?
Yes, adult-onset asthma is common and can develop even in people with no childhood history of the condition, often triggered by respiratory infections, allergies, or environmental exposures.
What is bronchial thermoplasty?
Bronchial thermoplasty is an FDA-approved treatment for severe asthma that uses controlled heat delivered through a bronchoscope to reduce excess airway muscle, performed in three outpatient sessions.
Are allergies related to my asthma?
For many patients, yes. Allergens are a common asthma trigger, and our allergy team can help test for and manage specific sensitivities.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Asthma is typically diagnosed using spirometry and other pulmonary function tests, sometimes combined with a methacholine challenge test.
Can exercise trigger an asthma attack?
Yes, exercise-induced asthma is common. With the right management plan, most patients can still exercise safely and comfortably.
When should I see a pulmonologist for my asthma?
If your asthma isn’t well controlled with a rescue inhaler and daily medication, or if symptoms are interfering with daily life, it’s time for a specialist evaluation.
Breathe Easier with the Right Asthma Plan
Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our team can help you find lasting relief.