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.

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

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.

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.