Asthma

Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine, Primary Care and Urgent Care Telehealth Visits in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan

Asthma can interfere with your daily activities when your symptoms aren’t well-controlled. At Core Virtual Medicine, led by Richard Cardillo, MD, patients throughout Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan receive individualized asthma care through convenient telehealth visits. This approach focuses on symptom control, trigger management, and long-term breathing health. Schedule your virtual appointment today by phone or online to breathe easier and stay active.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your airways, which are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, these airways become inflamed and highly sensitive.

When something sets your asthma off, your airways can narrow, swell, and fill with extra mucus, making it feel like you’re trying to breathe through a straw. You might notice wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or feeling out of breath, especially when you’re active, trying to sleep, or around things that trigger your symptoms.

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person, which is why getting care at Core Virtual Medicine is so important.

Is asthma a life-threatening condition?

Asthma can become dangerous if it’s not well-controlled. While many people manage asthma successfully and live active lives, severe flare-ups, often called asthma attacks, can significantly restrict airflow.

In rare cases, these episodes can be life-threatening. With proper treatment, routine monitoring, and a clear action plan, most serious complications can be prevented. Recognizing early warning signs and responding quickly plays a major role in staying safe.

What causes asthma?

Asthma doesn’t have a single cause. It usually develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common contributors include:

A family history of asthma or allergies
Exposure to allergens such as mold, pollen, pet dander, or dust mites
Respiratory infections, particularly during childhood
Irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, or strong chemical odors
Physical activity or breathing in cold air
Stress or intense emotions that affect breathing patterns

Understanding what triggers your symptoms helps guide effective management.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma treatment is designed to reduce airway inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and improve daily breathing. Many people use long-term medications to keep symptoms under control, along with quick-relief inhalers for sudden breathing difficulty.

Your treatment at Core Virtual Medicine may also include lifestyle adjustments, trigger avoidance, and regular follow-up visits to make sure your plan continues to meet your needs. With consistent care, asthma can be well-managed.

If asthma symptoms are interfering with your daily life or you want better control of your breathing, schedule a virtual visit today by phone or online. Personalized asthma care can help you breathe easier and move forward with confidence.