Show: MD VOD

Asthma with Dr. Stewart Lonky

Today on MD-VOD, Dr. John Kennedy is joined by the author of “Invisible Killers,” Dr. Stewart Lonky, to learn about asthma. Together they examine the cause of asthma, who is at risk, the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and available medications, treatments and therapies. They further discuss the consequences and the realities of living with asthma, including insurance coverage and related costs.

Today, over 17 million people in the U.S, one third of which are children, are living with asthma. Asthma is caused by an ongoing, long-term inflammation of the breathing passages of the lungs. This causes an increase in our sensitivity to various “triggers” which cause the air passages to swell and fill with mucus, blocking the airway and making it hard to breathe.

The symptoms of asthma are classified as mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild and moderate symptoms include:

• Tightness of the chest
• Coughing or spitting up mucus
• Restlessness or trouble sleeping
• and Wheezing

Severe attacks are less common and can include:

• Breathlessness
• Difficulty talking
• Tightness in your neck muscles
• and a slight bluish color in your lips and fingernail beds

There are two types of medications used to treat asthma: control medications to prevent attacks, and quick-relief drugs for rescue during attacks. Dr. Lonky points out that it is best to practice prevention though, by avoiding your asthma attack “triggers,” and starting a regular medication regimen.

So join us as we simplify this common and treatable disease and arm you with the tools and information you need to combat diabetes for yourself and those you love.

*****This video contains healthcare information only, not medical advice.*****

Host, Dr. John Kennedy, MD, FACC is the Director of Preventive Cardiology and Wellness, Marina Del Rey Hospital, Marina Del Rey, California. He is on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association and is the Co-Author of The 15 Minute Heart Cure: The Natural Way to Release Stress and Heal Your Heart in Just Minutes a Day.

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