Asthma Specialist Northern Virginia

NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates is N. VA’s trusted allergy and asthma center, staffed by a team of passionate, talented and dedicated physicians and specialized staff eager to help their patients throughout Virginia.

Patients can expect cutting edge treatment and compassionate care provided by leading asthma specialists and practitioners with decades of experience in diagnosing, treating and managing asthma and underlying health conditions.

We are committed to providing the highest quality of treatment and care, with a patient-oriented approach and a friendly, compassionate, environment that patients can feel comfortable in.

Asthma Specialist: What is Asthma?

Our board-certified asthma specialists help educate patients on their conditions, and how they can take control of their own health through lifestyle choices and healthy living habits.

Asthma is a medical condition marked by the narrowing and swelling of airways, as well as the overproduction of mucus. These can result in difficulty breathing, which in turn may trigger shortness of breath, wheezing and/or coughing.

Asthma ranges in severity, from a minor annoyance, to serious life-threatening attacks requiring ongoing treatment and management under the care of an asthma specialist. Although asthma is an incurable condition, under proper care its symptoms can be controlled.

At NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates, we help patients suffering from asthma take back control of their health, enabling them to live their best lives with the confidence that asthma won’t hold them back.

Asthma Allergy Center: Specialized Care and Treatment for Asthma

Experience and Expertise

Asthma specialists at our center have dedicated their life’s work to researching, understanding, diagnosing and treating asthma. They have a deep understanding of the underlying causes, tried and true treatments, and evolving and emerging discoveries in therapeutic protocols and medicines.

Innovative Leading-Edge Medicine

Our center specializes in pulmonary care and conditions, having our finger on the pulse of new developments and treatments in the field. We ensure you and your family always have access to the best treatment options available.

Collaborative Asthma Care

Our teams work together to ensure your treatment plans are holistic and individually tailored to your unique needs. Those with other underlying medical conditions can expect integrated care that leverages the talent of physicians and other medical specialists across a broad range of disciplines.

Comprehensive Asthma Care

At NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates, our team is committed to providing comprehensive care plans and education that empower our patients to better manage or treat their conditions. We help you learn how to use your asthma medications, monitor and mediate symptoms, avoid potential triggers for asthma attacks, and more.

Identifying Asthma Symptoms in Northern Virginia

The symptoms of asthma can vary substantially from one individual to another, with varying degrees of severity and presentation.

Symptoms of Asthma Often Include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or whistling when exhaling
• Coughing
• Chest pain or tightness

What Can Cause Asthma to Flare Up / Asthma Triggers

Asthma specialists at our center won’t only ensure you get the high-quality treatment you deserve; they will also help you learn about and avoid potential asthma triggers that can irritate airways and contribute to asthma attacks.

A Few Common Triggers Include:

• Exercise (often worse on cold or hot days in N. Virginia)
• Occupational environments (workplace irritants, gases, dust or fumes)
• Allergens (mold, pollen, dander and more)

Asthma Doctor Near Me: Asthma Diagnosis in Northern Virginia

Getting properly diagnosed is a key first step to controlling and treating your asthma symptoms. Our specialists have helped countless individuals across Northern Virginia get a thorough and accurate diagnosis that can lay the groundwork for effective treatment options.

Physical Examination

Physical exams can rule out other conditions such as COPD, sinusitis or infections. Physical exams also provide our physicians with an opportunity to learn more about your medical history, symptoms, and any other health issues you may be experiencing.

Lung Function Tests

Our center is outfitted with innovative and cutting-edge diagnostic tools including those for testing lung function.

• Spirometry: determines narrowing of bronchial tubes by evaluating airflow volume and velocity when exhaling.
• Peak Flow: this device calculates how hard you can breathe out

Other Asthma Tests

• Nitric Oxide Test: measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. High levels may be indicative of airway inflammation caused by asthma

• Methacholine Challenge: An asthma trigger, the introduction of methacholine may induce mild airway constriction, indicating asthma.

• Imaging: CT scans and/or chest X-rays may reveal structural abnormalities or other disease conditions.

• Sputum Eosinophils: Identifies the presence of white blood cells in saliva and mucus discharged when coughing.

• Allergy Testing: Blood or skin test to identify allergens to potential triggers

• Provocative Testing: Exercise and/or cold exposure

Comprehensive Asthma Care and Treatment

Prevention and long-term control are key tenants of treatment provided by our team of asthma physicians. Comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate a range of therapeutic and preventative measures, in addition to medication are often key effectively managing asthma.

Medications

Long-term medications can aid in reducing asthma-associated inflammation in airways, while fast-acting bronchodilators (inhalers) can quickly open up closing airways that limit breathing. For some, asthma is triggered by allergies, making allergy shots (immunotherapy) and other medications an avenue worth exploring.

Bronchial Thermoplasty

Typically reserved for those with the most severe asthma sufferers who don’t respond well to medication, bronchial thermoplasty works to heats the airways, reducing smooth muscle layers inside the airways. This reduces the ability of airways to tighten closed.

Lifestyle Changes

Although medications are often the first line of treatment, our doctors will discuss with you several lifestyle changes that may help you better control and prevent asthma flare-ups.

Preparing for Your Appointment with an Asthma Specialist

Ready to meet with one of our specialists? We want to help you make the most out of your appointment.

Preparing for your Appointment with an Asthma or Allergy Specialist:

• Document any symptoms you are experiencing
• Identify when your symptoms tend to be the worst
• Write down any changes or relevant lifestyle circumstances (stresses, work conditions, smoking, etc.).
• List all medications, supplements, vitamins and dosages
• Bring a family member or friend along to help you remember
• Write down any questions you would like to ask your doctor

Reach out Today and Get the Care you Deserve

At NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates, we’ve helped countless individuals across the greater Northern Virginia area with an accurate asthma diagnosis, effective treatment and reliable management of symptoms.

Call or message us today and set up an appointment. Our friendly staff is on standby and eager to help.