Asthma is a chronic lung condition that inflames and narrows the airways, causing a spectrum of symptoms that can interfere significantly with a person’s daily life. These symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, can disrupt sleep, work, and recreational activities. Both children and adults are affected by this condition, making its management a critical component of healthcare. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and are often triggered by environmental factors such as allergens, pollution, and changes in weather. Asthma if left untreated can damage your lungs and in the US there are more than 4,000 deaths due to asthma each year, many of which are avoidable with proper treatment and care.
In Columbia, South Carolina, individuals looking for expert asthma and allergy care can turn to Lisa Hutto, MD: Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Disease. As an asthma and allergy specialist with decades of experience, Dr. Lisa Hutto offers a comprehensive approach to asthma care, emphasizing accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Her practice is unique, providing a level of attention and care that is rare in today’s healthcare environment. Dr. Hutto’s dedication to her patients is evident in her hands-on approach, ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality of care from diagnosis through treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with asthma symptoms, don’t wait to seek professional help. Dr. Lisa Hutto is here to provide the care you need with the expertise you can trust. Schedule an appointment online today and take the first step toward better breathing and improved health.
At its core, asthma is an inflammatory disease that affects the airways in the lungs. During an asthma flare-up, the lining of these airways becomes swollen, muscles around them tighten, and the production of mucus increases, leading to narrowed airways. This can cause symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Triggers for asthma are as varied as the individuals who suffer from it. Common triggers include animal dander from pets, dust mites prevalent in homes, physical exercise—especially in cold air—respiratory infections like the common cold, exposure to airborne irritants such as smoke or industrial pollutants, stress which can physiologically impact the body, and allergies to substances like pollen, mold, or certain foods.
Identifying the specific allergens responsible for individuals where allergies are a primary trigger for their asthma—called allergic asthma—is crucial. Dr. Lisa Hutto utilizes skin tests, a method where small amounts of suspected allergens are introduced to the skin and observed for reactions, to accurately identify these triggers. This step is essential for prescribing an effective, personalized treatment plan.
Furthermore, Dr. Hutto offers indoor air quality (IAQ) testing to evaluate the presence of poor air quality in a patient's environment that could be contributing to their asthma symptoms. By identifying and mitigating these environmental factors, asthma patients can experience improved lung function and reduced symptoms.
Once triggers are identified, Dr. Hutto can prescribe targeted medications that help control allergen-induced asthma. These include long-term control medications that reduce airway inflammation and quick-relief inhalers for use during an asthma attack. In addition, allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, can decrease sensitivity to allergens over time, ultimately reducing asthma symptoms or resolving asthma symptoms.
Managing asthma, particularly asthma induced by allergies, requires a multi-faceted approach. Comprehensive testing—both the standard asthma test to gauge lung function and specific tests like IAQ tests—provides the foundation for a tailored treatment plan. Dr. Hutto's emphasis on precision in diagnosis and personalization in treatment reflects her commitment to her patients’ well-being. Also rare in today’s healthcare environment is seeing the same physician at every appointment- sick or well visit- who has Dr. Hutto’s experience and diagnostic acumen.
An asthma test, also known as a spirometry test, evaluates how well the lungs are functioning. This simple and painless procedure measures the amount of air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can do so. It's often used to diagnose asthma or track the progression of lung disease in those already diagnosed with asthma.
During this test, you will be asked to take a deep breath and blow forcefully into a mouthpiece. Your lung function is then measured by the results displayed on a spirometer.
Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, but some common triggers include allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. Other triggers can include respiratory infections, exposure to smoke or other irritants, and physical activity.
Sports-induced or exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by physical activity. This can occur in individuals with or without a history of asthma.
Symptoms may only present during physical exertion and subside shortly afterward, making it difficult to diagnose. Treatment for sports-induced asthma may include the use of a quick-relief inhaler before exercise or long-term control medications to prevent symptoms altogether.
Our online scheduling tool makes booking an appointment with an allergy and asthma doctor like Dr. Hutto simple! Or, if you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can give us a call during our office hours. We look forward to helping you find relief from your asthma!