Asthma

Yager Family Medicine

Family Practice Physicians and Primary Care Practice located in Chamblee, GA and servicing the Metro Atlanta Area

Asthma is often a chronic disease that many people have suffered from for years and may not even realize it. However, there have been significant advances in the treatment of asthma and allergies in the last decade. At Yager Family Medicine, located in Chamblee, Georgia, Joshua Yager, MD, and his team offer both maintenance therapy to prevent exacerbation of the disease and acute treatment when the disease flares. To schedule an appointment, call the office, or you can request one online at any time.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

When you have asthma, the lining of your airway passages may swell and fill with mucus, leaving less room for oxygen to get through. This can leave you coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe. The severity of asthma varies from person to person, but it’s a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical management.

How do I know if I have asthma?

Although symptoms vary from person to person, common symptoms of asthma include:

  • Wheezing or whistling on the exhale
  • Difficulty breathing at night
  • Chest tightness
  • Severe coughing that leads to wheezing


You may experience these symptoms only under certain circumstances, such as when exercising or during allergy season.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the health care professionals at Yager Family Medicine can test your lung function with in-office testing to assist in a diagnosis.

How did I get asthma?

Your asthma may be due to a combination of your genetic profile and environmental exposures.

Common asthma triggers include:

  • Allergens such as dust, pet dander, or ragweed
  • Cold weather
  • Air pollutants
  • Exercise
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)


What are the classifications of asthma?

To help manage your asthma, the healthcare professionals at Yager Family Medicine classify your asthma based on its severity. These classifications include:

  • Mild intermittent: Symptoms no more than two days a week or two days a month
  • Mild persistent: Symptoms more than twice a week
  • Moderate persistent: Symptoms every day and occasionally at night
  • Severe persistent: Constant symptoms during the day and at night


Regardless of which type of asthma is affecting you, the team at Yager Family Medicine can help treat and manage your condition.

How can I manage my asthma?

Your provider at Yager Family Medicine can help you manage your asthma by teaching you about your triggers and how to avoid them to reduce attacks.

In addition to lifestyle management, the team also provides medications.

Long-term asthma control medications

You take these medications daily to help manage symptoms. These medications are considered the cornerstone of asthma management.

Examples include:

  • Corticosteroid inhalants
  • Leukotriene modifiers
  • Long-acting beta agonists
  • Quick-relief medications


Other medications offer immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. Examples include:

  • Short-acting beta agonists
  • Ipratropium bromide, under
  • Atrovent® and other brand names
  • Oral or intravenous corticosteroids


If allergies trigger your asthma, the healthcare professionals at Yager Family Medicine may also recommend allergy medication to reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.

For asthma treatment and management, call the office today, or you can book an appointment online.