Asthma

Bruce P. Lawrence, MD Our Services Asthma

Bruce Lawrence MD Family Practice & Aesthetics

Physician & Aesthetic Services located in Oakland, CA

Asthma makes your airways swollen and constricted, causing breathing to become difficult. Because asthma affects over 25 million Americans — both adults and children — and is known for lowering your quality of life, you can undergo integrative treatments at the office of Bruce P. Lawrence, MD, in Oakland, California. Your customized treatment plan is designed to improve your breathing and prevent dangerous asthma attacks. Book your asthma evaluation directly through the website, or call the clinic directly to schedule.

Asthma Q & A

What are the different types of asthma?

Asthma is a chronic breathing disorder that’s linked to several triggers and health issues. Usually, asthma fits into one of the following six categories:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma overlap 
  • Occupational asthma (from workplace triggers)
  • Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
  • Adult-onset asthma
  • Nonallergic asthma
  • Allergic asthma

Your asthma may be mild-to-moderate, all the way up to persistent and severe-persistent. In any case, it’s something that requires ongoing medical intervention and treatment. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

When you have asthma, you likely experience wheezing or whistling while breathing. Depending on the severity of your attack, you may also have:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing fits
  • Chest tightness
  • Fatigue 

If your asthma is triggered by allergies, you might also experience allergy-related symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchiness, or hives. 

Asthma has so many triggers — environmental, illness, allergy, and weather, to name a few — and it's important to understand how to avoid them to manage your asthma. Schedule an evaluation at the office of Bruce P. Lawrence, MD, to learn about your unique asthma triggers and get started on your personalized asthma management plan.

Is there an effective treatment for asthma?

Yes. Though no asthma cure exists, this lifelong condition is certainly manageable with the help of Dr. Lawrence. He spends time getting to the root of why you have asthma and teaching you about lowering your risk of asthma attacks. As part of your asthma management plan, Dr. Lawrence may recommend:

  • Preventive inhaler or medication treatments to keep your airways open
  • Immunotherapy or antihistamines (for allergies)
  • At-home breathing treatments with a nebulizer 
  • Daily breathing exercises
  • Activity modifications 
  • Rescue inhalers

Dr. Lawrence is dedicated to helping you restore your quality of life and get back to doing the things you enjoy. He educates you about your various treatment solutions, so you can prevent asthma attacks or lower their severity or frequency. 

To book your asthma exam, call the office of Bruce P. Lawrence, MD, and speak to a team member today.