What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an immune reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pets or mold. It commonly causes sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose and itchy eyes or throat.

Can allergies make asthma worse?

Yes. Poorly controlled nasal allergies often worsen asthma symptoms and can lead to increased coughing, wheezing, nighttime symptoms and asthma flare-ups.

How are allergies and asthma diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include a detailed medical history, allergy testing such as skin or blood tests, and lung function testing to identify triggers and guide treatment.

Are allergy shots effective for allergies and asthma?

For selected patients, allergy immunotherapy can reduce allergy symptoms, decrease medication needs and help improve asthma control over time.

When should I see a specialist for asthma or allergies?

You should consider specialty care if symptoms persist despite treatment, rescue inhalers are used frequently, or asthma or allergies interfere with sleep or daily activities.

Asthma

Asthma Treatment in Leesburg, VA

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Dr. Laura Ispas provides comprehensive asthma care for children and adults, including patients with difficult-to-control symptoms.

Evaluation includes medical history, pulmonary function testing, trigger assessment, and asthma control monitoring.

Treatment may include controller inhalers, rescue medications, inhaler technique education, trigger avoidance, and biologic therapies when indicated.

The goal is long-term asthma control, fewer flare-ups, and improved quality of life.

What causes asthma?

Asthma develops when airways in your lungs become inflamed and hypersensitive to airborne substances.

Three things happen that narrow your airways, block airflow, and lead to breathing problems:

Airway walls become swollen
Muscles lining the airway walls tighten which narrows the airways
Extra mucus builds up in the airways

Once you have asthma, your airways stay chronically inflamed, which makes you susceptible to future asthma attacks.

What symptoms will I develop when I have asthma?

Asthma attacks cause:

Wheezing
Coughing, especially at night, during exercise, or when you laugh
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
Chest pain or feeling of chest pressure

Your asthma symptoms can appear at any time, but they’re always triggered by environmental irritants or activities.

Can I develop different types of asthma?

There are several types of asthma, including:

Allergic Asthma: Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. It develops when airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold cause your asthma.
Childhood Asthma: This type of asthma usually appears before the age of five. It’s the most common serious, chronic disease in children.
Occupational Asthma: You may develop occupational asthma by inhaling chemical fumes, gasses, and other toxic substances on the job.
Exercise-induced Asthma: When asthma is triggered by physical activity, it’s called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Your symptoms typically occur shortly after you start exercising.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Undergoing a breathing study is the best way to diagnose asthma. Dr. Ispas performs pulmonary function testing to determine the health of your lungs and to diagnose asthma. Two important tests are:

Spirometry: You breathe into a tube to measure the amount of air you inhale and exhale and the speed of exhalation.
Methacholine Challenge: You inhale methacholine, which narrows your airways, then you undergo spirometry to test your breathing. This test evaluates the reactivity of your lungs.

How is asthma treated?

Dr. Ispas works with each patient to determine their specific asthma triggers. In addition to allergens and exercise, some common triggers include cold air, upper respiratory tract infections, and strong emotions.

When you have allergic asthma, Dr. Ispas performs allergy testing, then develops a customized treatment plan that may include immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Dr. Ispas may also prescribe two types of asthma medications:

Quick-relief Medications: These medications are inhaled to provide quick relief during an asthma attack. A nebulizer converts the medication into a fine mist you can inhale.
Long-term Medications: These medications, which may be pills or inhaled, help keep your asthma under control and prevent future asthma attacks.

If you develop wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing, call Allergy Asthma & Immunology Institute or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes asthma symptoms to flare up?

Common triggers include allergens like pollen and dust mites, respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, and irritants such as smoke. Identifying personal triggers is a key part of long-term control.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a review of symptoms and history along with pulmonary function testing, which measures how well air moves in and out of the lungs.

Is asthma a lifelong condition?

Asthma is a chronic condition, but with proper management many people experience long stretches with few or no symptoms. Some children see symptoms improve significantly as they get older.

What is the difference between a rescue inhaler and a controller medication?

A rescue inhaler provides fast relief during a flare-up, while controller medications are taken regularly to reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms from starting in the first place.

Can asthma be managed without daily medication?

Some people with mild or intermittent asthma may only need treatment during flare-ups, while others benefit from daily controller therapy. An allergist can help determine the right level of treatment based on symptom frequency and severity.

Do these symptoms sound familiar? Schedule an allergy evaluation with Dr. Ispas. Book Now.

Laura Ispas, M.D

Allergy & Immunology Specialist Diplomate NBPAS

Patient Resources

If you or your child are struggling with allergy, asthma, sinus, cough, eczema, hives, or food allergy symptoms, call or text 571-399-5132 or book an appointment on…