Asthma Specialist

Asthma is a condition in which a patient’s airways swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and triggers coughing, a whistling sound when they breathe out, and shortness of breath.

As an asthma specialist, Dr. Farnam can diagnose and treat asthma, so you can breathe easier.

Asthma Specialist

Asthma is a condition in which a patient’s airways swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and triggers coughing, a whistling sound when they breathe out, and shortness of breath.

As an asthma specialist, Dr. Farnam can diagnose and treat asthma, so you can breathe easier.

Person with asthma being treated by Dr. Farnam at Adult and Children Allergy and Asthma Center in Pasadena, CA.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition of the respiratory system that decreases a person’s ability to fully breathe. Minor cases can be managed with inhalers that keep airways open. More acute cases may need steroid treatments. In some severe cases it may lead to a life-threatening attack. Dr. Farnam will diagnose and assess the severity of the case of asthma in each individual patient and work out a treatment plan that is both comfortable for the patient and least obtrusive in their daily lives.

What Are the Different Types of Asthma?

There are several different types of asthma that all demand their own diagnosis and unique treatment plans since each has their own underlying causes.
The different types of asthma are:

  • Adult-Onset Asthma
  • Allergic Asthma
  • Asthma-COPD Overlap
  • Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
  • Nonallergic Asthma
  • Occupational Asthma
Person using inhaler at Adult and Children Allergy and Asthma Center in Pasadena, CA.

“Dr. Farnam was absolutely spectacular. I truly felt heard and his diagnosis was the first that made sense in months. I feel so lucky to have been referred to him and couldn’t recommend him more.”

Child using inhaler at Adult and Children Allergy and Asthma Center in Pasadena, CA.

What is an Inhaler and How Does it Help Manage Asthma?

Inhalers deliver a fine mist of medicine directly to the airways and lungs. Since the medicine is delivered directly to the affected areas, they act immediately and are efficient in preventing or stunting asthma attacks. There are two types of inhalers. Reliever inhalers open up the airways in asthma and COPD so air can flow more freely into the lungs, relieving wheeze and breathlessness. They provide relief within minutes, but are only effective for a few hours. Preventer inhalers aren’t meant to treat attacks, but rather prevent attacks from occurring in the first place. They reduce inflammation and open up the airways, keeping them open all day so patients do not arrive at the point where their lung capacity is diminished.

How is Asthma Treated?

Treatment for asthma depends on the type of asthma and on the specific patient.

Dr. Farnam will work with the patient to not only diagnose the type of asthma but then chart the most appropriate course for treatment.

Treatment of asthma by Dr. Farnam at Adult and Children Allergy and Asthma Center in Pasadena, CA.

Expert care so you can just breathe again.

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