Asthma Care Specialist

Houston Specialty Clinic

Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine located in Houston, and Sugar Land, TX

Asthma is a very common condition that affects 1 in 13 people in the United States. At Houston Specialty Clinic in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, Sarat Susarla, MD, provides comprehensive asthma care for patients of all ages. Houston Specialty Clinic offers advanced testing and some of the most effective treatments for people diagnosed with asthma. To schedule a visit for you or a loved one, call today.

Asthma Care Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that causes your airways to swell and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. The exact cause of asthma is still unknown, although genetics and environmental factors likely play a significant role. There is no cure for asthma, but there are a number of safe and effective ways to manage the condition.

Asthma is one of the most common conditions affecting people in America. It’s especially common in children, affecting more than 6 million people under the age of 18.

Does my child have asthma?

The severity of asthma can vary greatly. Children with asthma are often misdiagnosed with other conditions like allergies, cystic fibrosis, or chronic cough. A proper diagnosis is essential to managing your child’s symptoms and avoiding serious health complications like asthma attacks.

If you notice signs of asthma, Dr. Susarla offers accurate, in-depth evaluations that include lung function testing. Although there is no cure for asthma, with the right care, your child can lead an active, healthy life.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Common asthma symptoms include:

Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Coughing

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. While some people experience severe, life-threatening symptoms, others experience little to no complications with their asthma. The symptoms of asthma are often triggered by exercise, exposure to chemical irritants, or exposure to airborne allergens like pollen or mold.

How is asthma treated?

Before treatment, Dr. Susarla performs a thorough evaluation to accurately identify your condition. Dr. Susarla may conduct a number of different evaluations including:

Spirometry
Exhaled nitric oxide testing
Impulse oscillometry
Allergy testing
Imaging tests

Dr. Susarla performs lung function tests on children as young as 3 years old. Once you or your child is diagnosed, Dr. Susarla takes the time to develop the right treatment plan and educate you on proper asthma care. Treatment depends on a number of factors like your medical history, your age, and the severity of your symptoms. Houston Specialty Clinic offers a number of safe and effective treatments for asthma including:

Oral medications
Inhaled corticosteroids
Fast-acting inhalers
Nebulizer therapy
Allergy medication
Biologic medications (injected)

What treatments are available?

Houston Specialty Clinic offers some of the safest and most advanced treatments for pediatric breathing problems. Depending on your child’s diagnosis, Dr. Susarla may recommend:

Oral Medications
Inhaled medications (Metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulized medications)
Biologic (injection) medications
Respiratory care/airway clearance devices
Home oxygen
CPAP/BIPAP (continuous/bilevel positive airway pressure) therapy
To find out which treatment is right for your child, call Houston Specialty Clinic.

Untreated asthma can have a major impact on your quality of life and day-to-day activities. To speak with Dr. Susarla about asthma care, call Houston Specialty Clinic today.