Asthma Treatment in Lawrence, KS

Asthma is a chronic condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed, making it feel difficult to breathe. The symptoms of asthma can vary in severity and may include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Some people suffer occasional asthma attacks, which could be induced by exercise, air irritants, or cold weather. In more severe cases, asthma can interfere with your day-to-day life and can even be a life-threatening condition. If you experience asthma symptoms, contact the professional team at Lawrence Family Practice Center. Our experienced doctors provide effective treatments to help get asthma under control and prevent any lasting damage to the lungs. Schedule an appointment in Lawrence, KS today.

During your appointment, one of our expert physicians will review your symptoms and medical history, as well as talk with you about what triggers your asthma. Your doctor will examine your airways and listen to your breathing. Diagnostic tests may also be performed to check the function of your lungs and help rule out other conditions. The testing may include chest x-rays along with lung function tests, such as spirometry, which helps determine the amount and speed of the air you breathe. Common treatments for asthma include oral medications, fast-acting inhalers (bronchodilators), and preventive (steroid) inhalers. Based on your diagnosis, we will recommend the ideal treatment options for your specific situation.

Can asthma go away naturally?
Strictly speaking, there is no cure for asthma. However, many children with asthma will "grow out" of it into adulthood. Childhood asthma may temporarily go away and then return months or even years later. For some children, severe asthma symptoms may persist or require management for a lifetime. For adults with asthma caused by allergies or environmental irritants, management of exposure and symptoms is key.

What happens during an asthma attack?
When people with asthma are exposed to certain triggers, their immune systems try to fight off the allergens. This results in swelling of the lining of the air passages, making breathing difficult. People with asthma react in different ways to different triggers, however. Some people have mild asthma attacks, while others are more severe.

I think I have asthma but am unsure. Are there conditions that are commonly confused for asthma?
Absolutely. Shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing aren’t always accurate signs of asthma. Allergies, colds and flu, hyperventilation, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, vocal cord dysfunction, and more can all be mistaken for asthma. No matter your exact condition, we will aim to get to the bottom of it and find your ideal treatment plan at Lawrence Family Practice Center.

How much does asthma treatment cost?
The total cost of asthma treatment will differ from one patient to another depending on a number of factors. During your appointment, our experienced team will listen to your concerns and assess your situation to create a custom treatment plan. At that point, we’ll be able to provide a more accurate price estimate.

Is asthma treatment covered by my medical insurance?
In many cases, asthma treatment will be covered by your insurance. However, this will vary depending on the exact type of treatment, as well as the individual insurance plan. We'll work with you to determine your coverage before deciding on a specific treatment.

Is it possible to use my inhaler too much?
Yes. If you're using your inhaler more than 4 times a day, it likely means you need to turn to a different form of asthma treatment. Continuing to use your inhaler will not just be ineffective and expensive, but can also cause increased heart rate, jitteriness, nervousness, and headaches.

Although asthma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed through appropriate treatments and avoiding triggers. If you think you may have asthma or you have asthma symptoms that have gotten worse, get in touch with the trusted team at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS. We treat patients of all ages and accept most major insurance carriers.