Asthma Specialist

West Houston Allergy & Asthma

Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology located in Katy, Richmond, & Houston, TX

For asthma care, many men and women turn to Pardeep Rihal, MD, and the team at West Houston Allergy & Asthma. With convenient locations in Katy, Richmond, and Houston, Texas, West Houston Allergy & Asthma understands that asthma is a severe health issue in this country and that more and more people are diagnosed every year. State-of-the-art technology helps the team diagnose and treat asthma, helping you manage the condition and live a full and active life. If you’d like to learn more about their unique approach to asthma care, schedule an appointment online or call the office at your earliest convenience.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your ability to breathe. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. Something in your environment usually triggers that inflammation.

Nearly 25 million people have asthma, including more than 6 million children. The disease causes people to lose time at work and school and can severely limit their daily lives.

What causes asthma?

While the exact cause of asthma is unknown, medical researchers believe that the disease is brought on by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. People with a tendency to develop allergies, those with a family history of asthma, and those who suffered childhood respiratory infections have an elevated risk.

Some researchers also believe that the modern Western lifestyle and the advancements made in sanitation and hygiene have altered the way our immune systems develop during childhood, leaving us more vulnerable to developing asthma.

At West Houston Allergy & Asthma, spirometry is one of the diagnostic tools used to determine if you have asthma. The test is simple and easy: You inhale and exhale into a special tube as directed by your doctor. An inhaled bronchodilator can open your lungs and provide a comparison reading.

What are some common asthma triggers?

Some triggers are environmental, while others are brought on by physical conditions. Common triggers include:

Pollen
Dust mites
Pet dander
Tobacco smoke
Vehicle exhaust
Certain foods
Respiratory infections
Stress
Depression
Exercise

Knowing how to identify and avoid asthma triggers is an essential part of managing the disease.

How is asthma treated?

The treatment goal for asthma includes maintaining proper lung function; preventing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath; and reducing your need for medication. Treatment focuses on reaching a point where you’re able to enjoy an active, healthy life.

Treatment might include quick-relief or long-term medications to reduce airway inflammation. Medication is an ongoing process; working in partnership with an asthma specialist ensures that your medication levels are managing current symptoms.

Treating other health conditions that worsen your asthma and learning to identify and avoid triggers is essential. Creating and following a personal asthma action plan helps you take control of your disease.

If you’re ready to try a new approach to treating your asthma, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rihal and his team at West Houston Allergy & Asthma today.

What we offer