Control asthma and live without limits, like the many patients thriving after Liv Hospital care!
Asthma
Expertise
Manage asthma with advanced diagnostics and personalized care at Liv Hospital. Our team uses state-of-the-art methods to improve breathing and quality of life effectively and safely. This section reflects not only treatment, but the knowledge, dedication, and precision behind every patient journey.
What is asthma and how does it affect the lungs?
01
Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation that makes breathing tubes swollen, sensitive, and narrowed. Triggers cause tightening of airway muscles and increased mucus.
This leads to wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath that vary over time. Proper diagnosis and daily control medications prevent flare-ups.
What symptoms suggest I might have asthma?
02
Recurrent wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness, or cough—often worse at night or early morning. Symptoms may follow colds, exercise, dust, smoke, or weather changes.
Frequent “rescue” inhaler use, nighttime waking, or reduced exercise tolerance are red flags. Book assessment if these occur more than twice a month.
How is asthma diagnosed?
03
We combine your history with spirometry to measure airflow and check bronchodilator response. FeNO can detect airway inflammation typical of asthma.
If unclear, we may do bronchial challenge tests, peak-flow variability, or allergy testing. Imaging and blood tests help exclude asthma-like conditions.
What is the difference between reliever and controller inhalers?
04
Relievers (short-acting bronchodilators) relax airway muscles for quick symptom relief. They should not be your only treatment if symptoms are frequent.
Controllers (inhaled steroids ± long-acting bronchodilators) reduce airway inflammation and prevent daily symptoms. We tailor choice and dose to your severity.
What is SMART therapy and who is it for?
05
SMART uses one inhaler containing inhaled steroid and formoterol as both controller and reliever. It simplifies treatment and reduces exacerbations.
Suitable for many teens and adults with moderate to severe asthma. We decide based on your control level, adherence, and access to appropriate devices.
How do I use my inhaler correctly?
06
Technique depends on device (MDI, DPI, soft-mist). With MDIs, shake, exhale fully, seal lips, press and inhale slowly, then hold breath 10 seconds.
Use a spacer for MDIs to improve delivery and reduce side effects. We teach and recheck technique at each visit; small errors can halve drug delivery.
What is an asthma action plan?
07
A written step-by-step guide using “green–yellow–red” zones based on symptoms or peak flow. It tells you when to increase meds and when to seek help.
We personalize your plan, doses, and thresholds. Keep copies at home, work, and school; share with caregivers, coaches, and teachers.
Which tests monitor asthma control over time?
08
Spirometry, peak-flow diaries, and FeNO tracking show control and inflammation trends. We may use validated questionnaires like the Asthma Control Test (ACT).
Data from smart inhalers or health apps can reveal adherence and overuse patterns. We use these to step treatment up or down safely.
What are common triggers and how can I avoid them?
09
Dust mites, pollens, molds, pet dander, smoke, fragrances, viral colds, exercise, and weather shifts. Indoor PM and sandstorms can also flare symptoms.
Use dust-mite covers, hot-wash bedding, HEPA vacuuming, and keep humidity 40–50%. Ventilate kitchens, avoid smoking/vaping, and use saline rinses during high-pollen days.
When are biologic therapies considered for asthma?
10
For severe asthma not controlled with high-dose inhaled therapy and frequent exacerbations. Markers include high eosinophils, allergic sensitization, or elevated FeNO.
Options target IgE or interleukin pathways (IL-5, IL-4/13). We assess eligibility, manage approvals, and monitor response and safety regularly.
What side effects can inhaled and oral steroids cause?
11
Inhaled steroids may cause hoarseness or oral thrush—use a spacer and rinse after use. At recommended doses they are generally safe long-term.
Repeated oral steroid bursts raise risks like high sugar, blood pressure, and infections. Our goal is to minimize systemic steroids via optimized inhalers and biologics when appropriate.
Is exercise safe if I have asthma?
12
Yes. Exercise improves lung capacity and overall health. Warm up, avoid cold dry air, and use pre-exercise reliever if advised.
If symptoms limit activity, we reassess control and adjust therapy. Many athletes compete successfully with well-controlled asthma.
How are children with asthma managed?
13
Pediatric dosing, devices, and growth monitoring differ from adults. Spacers with masks help younger children; technique teaching for families is essential.
We provide school action plans and coordinate vaccines. Many children “grow into” better control with adherence and trigger avoidance.
Can pregnancy affect asthma control?
14
Control may improve, worsen, or stay the same. Well-controlled asthma is safest for mother and baby. Many inhaled treatments are pregnancy-compatible.
We coordinate closely with obstetrics, adjust plans, and avoid unnecessary oral steroids. Never stop controllers without medical advice during pregnancy.
Do I need vaccines if I have asthma?
15
Yes. Annual influenza vaccination and age-appropriate pneumococcal vaccines are recommended. They reduce severe infections that can trigger exacerbations.
We review your vaccine status during visits and advise timing with any biologic therapies. Vaccination is part of comprehensive asthma prevention.
How do GERD, sinusitis, and allergies affect asthma?
16
Reflux, chronic rhinosinusitis, and allergic rhinitis can worsen cough and wheeze. Treating these comorbidities improves control and reduces attacks.
We screen for symptoms and coordinate nasal therapy, reflux management, or allergy care. Integrated treatment is key to stable lungs.
What should I do during an asthma attack?
17
Follow your action plan: take reliever doses as directed, sit upright, and monitor symptoms or peak flow. Avoid triggers and stay calm.
Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue lips, difficulty speaking full sentences, or no relief after reliever doses. We’ll review prevention after recovery.
Nebulizer or inhaler—which is better?
18
For most patients, inhalers with spacers deliver equal medication with less time and better portability. Nebulizers are useful during severe attacks or for some children.
We choose based on age, technique, and setting. Proper technique matters more than device type for effective delivery.
How and when do you step treatment up or down?
19
We step up after frequent symptoms, exacerbations, or low lung function despite correct use. We check adherence and technique first.
After 3–6 months of good control, we may step down to the lowest effective dose. Regular follow-up ensures safety while minimizing medication burden.
What travel tips help keep asthma controlled?
20
Carry inhalers in hand luggage with spacers and a written plan. Keep to your controller schedule across time zones and pack extra supplies.
Dry cabin air, hotel allergens, or sand/dust may flare symptoms—hydrate, ventilate rooms, and use saline rinses. Seek care early if control worsens.
Does vaping or shisha impact asthma?
21
Yes. E-cigarette aerosols and shisha smoke irritate airways, increase inflammation, and can trigger severe attacks. Secondhand exposure also worsens symptoms.
We offer cessation support and alternatives. Avoid smoke-filled environments and perfumes that provoke coughing or tightness.
What should I bring to my first asthma appointment?
22
A full medication list (with inhalers), prior lung tests, recent labs, and any peak-flow or app data. Note symptom patterns, triggers, and night awakenings.
We will create a personalized plan, teach inhaler technique, and schedule follow-ups. Together we aim for symptom-free days and nights with minimal medication.
Dr. Fabrizio Facchini
Consultant - PulmonologyWith over 15 years of international experience, this pulmonologist specializes in asthma, allergies, and sleep apnea. He is trained in advanced respiratory diagnostics, allergy testing, and comprehensive sleep studies. As a clinical leader, he has directed tertiary respiratory clinics and developed patient-focused care protocols. Skilled in bronchoscopy and multidisciplinary management, he combines precision medicine with compassionate care to improve breathing and sleep quality.
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