Asthma Specialist
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Park Medical Center
Rafath Humera, MD
Internist located in Clifton, NJ
Statistics compiled by the American Lung Association suggest that more than 26 million Americans are living with asthma, a serious lung condition that can make it hard to get enough air into your lungs. The care of Rafath Humera, MD, of Park Medical Center in Clifton, New Jersey, can help you manage asthma and live an active, healthy life. If you’d like to know more about your options, come in for a thorough exam and a discussion of potential treatments. Online scheduling is available, or you can call or visit the office to book your visit.
Asthma Q & A
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that makes it hard to move air through your lungs. Normally, your airways allow you to take in and exhale air thousands of times a day, without even thinking about it. In people with asthma, inflammation can narrow those airways, making it much harder to get the air you need to survive.
Researchers believe asthma is a leading cause of lost time from school and work, and a health issue that brings many to the hospital for urgent care. Without proper treatment, asthma can severely limit your daily quality of life.
What causes asthma?
Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of asthma. It appears that the condition arises when your immune system overreacts to an environmental trigger. There may be a genetic component involved.
Factors that increase your risk of developing asthma include:
- Exposure to cigarette smoke while in utero or in early childhood
- Working near chemical irritants or industrial dusts
- Living in an area with poor air quality
- Exposure to high allergen counts
- History of allergies
- Being overweight or obese
Understanding the symptoms of asthma can help you know when to seek treatment.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Everyone has a unique experience of asthma, and your symptoms might change over time. Things to look for include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing or wheezing attacks
- Sleep disruptions
- Tightness or pain in your chest
- Sensation that you’re not getting enough air
- Whistling or wheezing sounds when exhaling
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, schedule a diagnostic exam to find answers.
What are some treatments for asthma?
Dr. Humera has numerous treatment options that can help ease your asthma symptoms and improve your quality of life. Medications, including drugs that reduce airway inflammation, might play a role in that process.
There are also medications that can rapidly open your airways during an acute asthma attack. These are usually administered in the form of an inhaler. Long-term drug therapy can come in the form of oral or inhaled medication. If your asthma is linked to allergies, there are injections that can help alter the way your immune system responds to allergens.
Dr. Humera works with you to find the treatment approach best suited to your needs. Your treatment plan can shift over time as your symptoms lessen and your body adjusts. When you’re ready to begin, schedule a visit with Dr. Humera online or by phone.
