Asthma Specialist

Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology

Allergists & Immunologists located in Clark, NJ, Clifton, NJ & Garfield, NJ

Asthma can affect children and adults, limiting work, exercise, play and at times causing dangerous limitations in breathing. A personalized treatment plan from board-certified adult and pediatric allergy and immunology specialists Peter Benincasa, MD, and Richard E. Luka, MD, can you help control your asthma and manage your symptoms. With convenient locations in Clark, Clifton, and Garfield, New Jersey, the caring team at Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology provide integrated asthma care for patients of all ages. If you, a family member or friend has asthma, call or go online to book an appointment today.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition that causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and constricted, affecting the way you breathe.

If you have asthma, these airways may be inflamed all the time, but they can become even more swollen and produce extra mucus when something triggers your symptoms. This condition makes it difficult to breathe and may cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Asthma can range from a minor problem to a debilitating condition that can interfere with regular activities.

Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:

Wheezing
Making a whistling sound when you breathe
Chest pain or tightness
Persistent coughing
Difficulty sleeping due to coughing or wheezing

The worsening of asthma symptoms may be called an asthma flare-up or an asthma attack. Triggers such as exercise or exposure to allergens often cause asthma attacks.

What are the symptoms of asthma in children?

Some children show the same asthma symptoms as adults. In other cases, they may only have a chronic cough that doesn’t go away. Schedule an appointment at Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology if your child has one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

Coughing that gets worse during sleep, exercise, or exposure to cold air
Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
Wheezing or whistling sounds upon exhaling
Complaints of chest pain
Tiredness
Problems sleeping
Avoidance of sports or physical activities

If you notice symptoms of asthma in your child, pay particular attention to the time of day and type of environment in which these symptoms occur. This information will help Drs. Benincasa and Luka create the best treatment plan.

How do you diagnose and treat asthma?

As asthma experts, Drs. Benincasa and Luka will make a diagnosis by performing a physical exam and breathing tests to measure lung function. They will also thoroughly review your medical history and ask questions about the conditions that trigger your symptoms.

Most people with asthma also suffer from allergies so that they may perform allergy testing as well. Once they discover the cause of your asthma, Drs. Benincasa and Luka will create a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

Avoiding asthma triggers
Immunotherapy
Medicines to control asthma symptoms

If you or a loved one has asthma, call or go online to book an appointment with Consultants in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology.