Asthma Management
Breathe easier — with specialized asthma care.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people — including about 28 million in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Whether your symptoms appear occasionally or impact you every day, the right care can make a life-changing difference.
At Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, our board-certified Allergy & Immunology physicians in our Norton Shores, Grandville, and
Grand Haven locations specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing asthma. From advanced testing to individualized asthma action plans, we provide the tools and guidance you need to breathe more comfortably and confidently.
If breathing issues are affecting your daily life, schedule an evaluation today.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways — the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. In asthma, these airways become inflamed and more sensitive. When triggered, they tighten and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma severity varies widely. Some people experience rare, mild symptoms; others face daily limitations or frequent flare-ups. Even mild asthma can worsen without the right treatment, so early and ongoing management is important.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can differ from person to person and may appear suddenly or gradually. You may have asthma if you experience:
- Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty taking a full breath
- Chest tightness, pressure, or discomfort
- Frequent or persistent coughing — especially at night or early morning
- Coughing or wheezing during exercise, infections, or exposure to irritants/allergens
- Symptoms that improve with an inhaler but return afterward
If these symptoms occur repeatedly, interfere with your activity, or worsen with certain triggers, a professional evaluation can help confirm whether asthma is the cause.
How We Diagnose
Asthma diagnosis begins with a detailed review of your symptoms and lung function. Based on your needs, we may recommend:
- Spirometry to measure airflow in and out of your lungs
- Pulmonary function testing to evaluate how well your lungs move air
- Methacholine inhalation challenges to determine airway sensitivity when routine testing is inconclusive
- Exercise challenges to help identify exercise-induced symptoms or airway hyperreactivity
- Allergy testing to identify allergens that may contribute to airway inflammation
Our goal is to confirm your diagnosis, identify your triggers, and understand the pattern and severity of your symptoms.
Treatment Options
Asthma treatment focuses on reducing airway inflammation, preventing flare-ups, and improving daily breathing. Your personalized plan may include:
- Asthma action plans — detailed, individualized instructions for daily management and responding to worsening symptoms
- Controller inhalers — inhaled corticosteroids or combination inhalers that reduce inflammation and prevent attacks
- Rescue inhalers — fast-acting medications that relieve sudden symptoms
- Biologic therapy — advanced injectable medications such as Xolair, Dupixent, Nucala, Fasenra, or Tezspire
- Allergy immunotherapy — allergy shots or drops that reduce sensitivity for patients with allergic asthma
- Lifestyle and environmental strategies — guidance to minimize exposure to triggers such as allergens, smoke, air pollution, or temperature changes
Your asthma specialist will work with you to find the right combination of treatments to help you breathe easier and stay active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chronic cough. Testing such as spirometry or challenge studies can confirm the diagnosis.
No. Allergies can worsen asthma for many people, but asthma can also be triggered by infections, exercise, weather changes, or irritants.
Yes — especially if untreated. With proper care, most people can control symptoms and reduce flare-ups and ER or hospital visits.
Rescue inhalers provide quick relief during flare-ups. Controller inhalers are used daily to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms.
Biologic therapies or allergy immunotherapy may be recommended for more severe or allergic asthma.
Take Control of Your Breathing
If asthma symptoms are limiting your comfort, sleep, or activity level, Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists can help. Our board-certified experts provide advanced testing and personalized asthma management to help you breathe easier — every day.