Asthma FAQs (cont.)

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Medical Author:

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

Dr. Schiffman received his B.S. degree with High Honors in biology from Hobart College in 1976. He then moved to Chicago where he studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He attended Rush Medical College where he received his M.D. degree in 1982 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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What Is Asthma?
What Causes Asthma?
Who Gets Asthma?
What Is an Asthma Attack Like?
What Is the Difference Between Allergies and Asthma?
What Are the Effects of Asthma?
When Should Someone Seek Medical Care?
Can Asthma Be Cured?
What Are Medications for Asthma?
Can Asthma Attacks Be Prevented?
For More Information
Web Links
Synonyms and Keywords
Authors and Editors

When Should Someone Seek Medical Care?

If someone has had symptoms of asthma, talking with a doctor is important. A doctor will ask questions about that person's symptoms, medical history, and medications.

The doctor will also perform breathing tests or blood tests to search for and rule out other causes of the symptoms (not all wheezing is asthma). A chest X-ray may also be taken to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

If a person does have asthma, he or she will need to work out an action plan with the doctor in order to be prepared for an asthma attack.

Anyone who feels acutely short of breath or feels that he or she may be in respiratory distress should immediately seek care in an emergency department. This is also true for people with asthma who feel their symptoms are worse than usual or are not responding to usual treatment.

Can Asthma Be Cured?»

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