"Asthma is a chronic condition that can make breathing challenging, but understanding your triggers is key to managing it effectively," says Niharika Marpu, MD, Allergy and Asthma at ARC Hutto and ARC Round Rock. "By working with a doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC), you can develop a plan to control symptoms and reduce the risk of severe flare-ups."
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition where the immune system overreacts to certain triggers, causing inflammation and excess mucus production in the airways. Proper medicine and avoiding triggers can help manage asthma symptoms.
What is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack, also called asthma exacerbation, is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms due to severe airway inflammation. During an attack, the airways become swollen, filled with mucus, and extremely narrow, making breathing difficult. Symptoms include:
- Gasping for breath
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe shortness of breath
- Increased coughing and wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Increased heart rate due to low oxygen levels
During an asthma attack, stay calm, sit upright, use your rescue inhaler as directed, and monitor your breathing. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, call 911 immediately.
What are some common asthma triggers?
An asthma trigger is anything that irritates your airways and makes your asthma symptoms worse, potentially leading to an asthma attack. Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, but common triggers include:
- Allergens: Common allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold can trigger asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma.
- Air pollutants and irritants: Smoke, strong odors, chemicals, and air pollution can irritate the respiratory system, leading to a flare-up.
- Respiratory conditions: Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections can worsen asthma symptoms by increasing mucus production and inflammation in the lungs.
- Strenuous exercise: Exercise can cause difficulty breathing, especially in cold or dry air. However, with proper medicine and warm-up strategies, people with asthma can stay active.
- Weather: Sudden temperature changes, cold air, and humid conditions can trigger asthma exacerbations by irritating the airways.
"Asthma triggers can change over time and differ from person to person, but identifying them is key to staying healthy," says Dr. Marpu. "Whether you have one trigger or several, working with a doctor or APC can help you manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups, so you can breathe easier and live well."
About ARC Hutto and ARC Round Rock
ARC Hutto is located at 151 Exchange Boulevard, 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.