Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, part of the Department of Medicine, offers world-class patient care, research programs and education and training opportunities.
Asthma Care
Asthma diagnosis, treatments and more
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Expert Asthma and Dyspnea Management
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) lung specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for asthma. Our multidisciplinary team provides ongoing education and support to enhance your quality of life while living with asthma and other breathing problems.
Understanding Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways (tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs). If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). This makes your airways very sensitive. The airways then tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating.
The primary symptom of asthma is dyspnea, which is feeling like you can’t catch your breath or get a deep enough breath. Other symptoms of asthma may include:
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing (whistling sound when you breathe)
Our dedicated Asthma and Dyspnea Center provides complete evaluation and treatment for people with symptoms of shortness of breath. The Center is one of only two clinics in the United States devoted to better understanding the causes of dyspnea. Through research, advanced medical care and patient education, we work to relieve your symptoms.
More About Asthma Care
Advanced Asthma Diagnostic Testing
In many cases, your pulmonologist (lung doctor) may be able to diagnose asthma based on your health history and your current symptoms. If you have a family history of asthma, you may have an increased risk of developing asthma.
Your doctor may also perform tests to evaluate your breathing and determine the cause of your symptoms. These may include:
- Bronchial provocation test: This test checks how sensitive your airways are.
- Environmental allergy testing: This test helps to determine the triggers of your asthma.
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction test: This test checks to see how physical activity impacts your lung function.
- Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry.
Asthma Treatments
Your pulmonologist may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments for asthma:
- Medications, for both quick-relief and long-term control and newer biologic therapies, which reduce and prevent exacerbations
- Inhalers
- Use of a peak flow meter, which monitors your daily oxygen level
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
- Supplemental oxygen
Your doctor may also recommend that you:
- Avoid triggers that bring on your asthma symptoms or make your symptoms worse. This may reduce the amount of medicine you need to take.
- Monitor your asthma so that you can recognize when your symptoms are getting worse. Then, you can respond quickly to prevent or stop an asthma attack.
Participation in Clinical Trials
BIDMC is active in ongoing research studies that seek to discover new, effective asthma treatments. Your care team will let you know if they think you may be a candidate to participate in an asthma clinical trial.
Ongoing Care and Support for Asthma
We are happy to provide ongoing care to help you manage and live well with asthma. Our team of specialists can support your asthma management goals. For example, we can provide information that will help you avoid common asthma triggers. Our team also coordinates your ongoing asthma care with other specialty providers as needed. Depending on your needs, your care team may include the following providers:
- Respiratory and physical therapists
- Allergy and immunology specialists
- Interventional pulmonologists
- Asthma specialists
- Specially-trained nurses
