Learn the Difference Between Acute vs. Chronic Asthma

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Asthma is a condition where the airways become constricted or narrow. The inflammation in the area will keep the airways from being open, thus triggering breathing issues. The body will produce mucus that can stick in the airways and will be hard to cough up.

Acute and chronic asthma will both produce these breathing concerns, but the ways they develop are different. If you feel like you are suffering from either of these problems, schedule an appointment with Dr. Avi Ishaaya at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA for asthma testing.

Acute asthma

Acute asthma is a sudden condition that can occur at random. You may experience chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath in some situations.

Acute asthma is often caused by cold or dry air. The condition occurs more often during the winter season, as the air is its driest at this point.

You could also experience acute asthma if you have an upper respiratory infection. Exposure to pollen, mold, and other allergens can also be a problem that triggers acute asthma.

Exercise can also promote acute asthma in some situations. Excess physical exertion can cause the lungs to wear after a while. Although regular exercise is necessary for your health, you’d have to pace yourself and watch how you exert your body to reduce the risk of breathing issues.

Chronic asthma

Whereas acute asthma can occur at random, chronic asthma is a long-term problem that any person could experience. A person with chronic asthma may feel regular inflammation in the airways, causing them to become narrow.

Asthma attacks or flareups can occur at varying points. Some of the more common triggers of chronic asthma attacks include respiratory viral infections, exposure to air pollution, stress, and allergens like weeds and animals. Medications like aspirin can also produce an attack if used in excess.

The most significant problem with chronic asthma is that it does not normalize like acute asthma. The chronic condition produces persistent effects that make it harder for the body to keep itself under control.

Can these conditions produce severe concerns?

Asthma can exacerbate in many situations, but people who have chronic asthma are often at greater risk of the worst issues. Acute asthma can lead to breathing troubles, although it may be easier for the body to recover from these problems.

Chronic asthma produces breathing troubles that make it hard for someone to speak or express one’s need for help. Excess perspiration may also occur, as the body temperature may rise due to the intense pressure caused by the issue. The condition can also become worse as the body ages.

What treatments work?

Dr. Avi Ishaaya and our experts at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA can help you treat these conditions, although the necessary solutions vary by patient. Inhaled bronchodilators can work for patients with acute asthma. Chronic patients may need systemic corticosteroids to manage the problem.

Contact us today if you are having problems with asthma in the Los Angeles area

Asthma can be a real problem regardless of whether it is an acute or chronic issue. Contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA to learn more about how asthma testing and treatment can work for you. You can visit us on West Olympic Boulevard in the Carthay Square neighborhood, or you can schedule an appointment with us online.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.