What is asthma?
"Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During asthma exacerbation—an asthma attack—it can also be considered acute," says Niharika Marpu, MD, Allergy and Asthma at ARC Hutto and ARC Round Rock. "Managing your asthma can help manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of severe attacks. This includes avoiding triggers, taking prescribed medications as directed, and working with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan."
Asthma can be sensitive to triggers like pollen, odors, and cold weather. Symptoms can include wheezing, breathing difficulties, and exacerbation of existing conditions.
Tips to manage asthma symptoms
- Identify asthma triggers and keep track of symptoms: Common triggers include pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, strong odors, and respiratory infections. Keeping a symptom journal can help identify what worsens asthma and guide a personalized management strategy.
- Understand how your body reacts to weather: Cold, dry weather, or high pollen counts can worsen asthma symptoms. Monitoring forecasts and limiting exposure during peak pollen seasons can help reduce asthma attacks.
- Understand your medication/inhaler: Using prescribed medication properly is key to managing asthma. A doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) can explain how to use an inhaler correctly and when to take controller or rescue medicine to prevent exacerbation.
- Use a spacer: A spacer is a medical device used with an inhaler to help deliver medication more effectively into the airways.
Why use a spacer?
- It helps get more medication into the lungs instead of the mouth or throat.
- It makes it easier for children or those who have trouble using an inhaler correctly.
- It reduces side effects, such as throat irritation.
- Stay active and practice a healthy lifestyle: While sports and activity are important for overall health, they should be approached carefully by individuals with asthma. Drinking plenty of water, warming up before activity, and avoiding triggers can help prevent asthma attacks. With the right Asthma Action Plan, people with asthma can stay active and enjoy life with fewer symptoms.
Learn more: A Guide to Living with Asthma.
"Asthma is a long-term, chronic condition that can make breathing difficult," says Dr. Marpu. "But people who actively work to manage their asthma can help prevent symptoms. And that can help you enjoy a more active life."
About ARC Hutto and ARC Round Rock
ARC Hutto is located at 151 Exchange Boulevard, Suite 500, Hutto, TX, and ARC Round Rock is located at 940 Hesters Crossing Road, Round Rock, TX. Both clinics offer convenient allergy and asthma services to patients in their towns as well as neighboring communities, such as Georgetown. ARC Allergy and Asthma physicians and APCs are specially trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergy and asthma disorders in patients of all ages.
It's not too soon!
Now is the time to schedule a visit with your ARC Allergy and Asthma doctor or APC to get your child's Food Allergy Action Plan and/or Asthma Action Plan forms filled out for upcoming activities and the 2025-2026 school year.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Marpu has a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology, from Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. She is accepting new patients of all ages. To make an appointment, call ARC Hutto at 512-846-1244 or ARC Round Rock at 512-244-9024.