Our Services / Asthma

More than 25 million Americans have asthma. Though asthma can cause overwhelming and severe symptoms if untreated, it’s a highly manageable condition if you take steps to get help when needed. Joy Burbeck and the team of skilled and compassionate providers at Midsouth Independent Group (MIG) in Memphis, Tennessee, can help with asthma diagnostic testing and treatment. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking system at your earliest convenience.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that causes constriction and inflammation of your lung airways. The results of airway constriction and inflammation are coughing, breathing problems and other difficult asthma symptoms. Although there isn’t a cure for asthma, it's possible to manage it effectively with your doctor’s help.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Wheezing or shortness of breath is usually the main symptom of asthma. You may also have other symptoms, such as:

• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Chest constriction
• Feelings of anxiety or panic

Although asthma symptoms occur only when you're having an asthma attack, people with asthma may always have less-clear breathing.

What are asthma triggers?

Asthma triggers are the things that bring on attacks. While everyone has different triggers, some of the most common include the following:

• Barometric pressure changes
• Extreme weather changes
• Smoke in the air
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Exercise
• Stress

Exposure to even a tiny amount of the trigger can mean a serious asthma attack. For this reason, identifying and avoiding triggers wherever possible can be an essential part of your personalized asthma management plan.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma diagnosis can include pulmonary function tests. The most common of these, spirometry, tests how much air you can blow out of your lungs, whereas the Feno test measures the nitric oxide level in your breath.

With the results of the pulmonary function tests, your provider can create an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

What is the treatment for asthma?

Your provider customizes asthma treatment for each patient. Your treatment may include the following:

• Bronchial thermoplasty, a procedure that can reduce asthma attacks for five years
• Oral medications, including steroids
• Preventive daily inhaler medications
• Rescue inhalers for use on an as-needed basis

Your provider can also work with you to help you identify your asthma triggers and may be able to give you specific suggestions to help you avoid those things. 

Suppose you have other health issues that could worsen your asthma, such as carrying excess weight. If you're significantly overweight, your MIG provider can suggest specific changes or treatments that may help.

If you or a loved one has asthma, don’t delay. Call the Midsouth Independent Group (MIG) office for help today. Or request an appointment online, which is fast and easy.