Breathing is something most of us don’t think about — until it becomes difficult. For people living with asthma, everyday activities like walking outside or playing your favorite sport can suddenly feel much harder than they should. And even getting over a cold can be difficult.
While asthma doesn’t have a cure, it can be managed effectively with the right care and long-term treatment plan. Kimberley Cao, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist at AdventHealth Tampa, helps patients understand their asthma, identify triggers and regain control of their breathing.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the airways and is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States, affecting people of all ages. When the airways become irritated, they narrow and may produce extra mucus, making it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs.
For some people, asthma symptoms are mild and infrequent. For others, asthma can interfere with daily life and, in severe cases, become life-threatening if not well controlled.
Many people believe asthma is something you can outgrow, especially if symptoms begin in childhood. But Dr. Cao says that’s a common misconception.
“Unfortunately, you never really grow out of it,” she explains. “It goes into remission, and you may never have trouble with it again. But in some, it just takes that one cold or bronchitis, and your asthma starts acting up again.”
Types of Asthma
Asthma isn’t one-size-fits-all. Doctors generally classify asthma into two main types:
- Allergic asthma
This is the most common type of asthma. It’s triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, dander and mold. People with allergic asthma often have other allergic conditions, too, such as eczema or seasonal allergies.
For patients with allergic asthma, treatment may include an inhaler and, in some cases, newer medications called biologics that block immune system molecules responsible for airway inflammation, swelling and mucus production.
“These newer drugs go after the allergic signal and tamp it down,” Dr. Cao says.
- Non-allergic asthma
Non-allergic asthma is more complex and often associated with chronic conditions like obesity. Most often, it’s managed by reducing airway inflammation and preventing flare-ups. Standard inhalers may not always be effective, and biologic treatments aren’t always available for this type of asthma.
“The non-allergic subtype is a lot more complicated,” Dr. Cao says. “But we do have one biologic that was recently approved to use even in non-allergic asthma cases.”
Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma symptoms are often set off by specific triggers — things that irritate the airways and cause inflammation. Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:
- Acid reflux and sinus drainage
- Dust, pet dander and feather pillows
- Emotional stress
- Exercise or cold air
- Respiratory infections, including colds and bronchitis
- Seasonal allergies, such as pollen and mold
- Smoke, fumes and strong odors
“Anything in the environment — including the home — can trigger asthma,” Dr. Cao says.
That’s why identifying and reducing exposure to triggers is a key part of asthma management. Simple changes, such as using HEPA filters — filters that remove dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and other airborne particles from the air — or modifying your home environment, can make a meaningful difference.
Concerning Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms can range from subtle to severe and may change over time. Common symptoms include:
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Frequent coughing, especially at night
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping due to breathing problems
- Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
Some people experience asthma symptoms only during certain activities, like exercise, while others have them on a more regular basis.
“With asthma, we usually think of shortness of breath and wheezing,” Dr. Cao says. “Not that you can’t have a cough — there is a cough variant — but it’s important to differentiate what’s truly asthma and what else could be going on.”
Why Asthma Control Matters
Uncontrolled asthma doesn’t just affect quality of life — it can lead to serious complications.
“As a pulmonologist, we want to have aggressive control of asthma because untreated asthma can be dangerous,” Dr. Cao says. “It can mean frequent bouts of pneumonia and, worst case, ending up on a ventilator in respiratory failure.”
Asthma control is especially important during pregnancy, when poorly controlled symptoms can place stress on both the mother and the baby.
Long-term complications of poorly controlled asthma may include permanent airway narrowing, repeated emergency room visits and side effects, such as mood swings and insomnia, from the frequent use of oral steroids.
When to See a Doctor About Asthma
Children with asthma are often managed by pediatricians, but those with more complex cases may require care from a pediatric pulmonologist or allergist. In adults, referrals to specialists are common when symptoms become harder to control.
“In adulthood, a lot of times, the primary care provider will refer once a patient’s asthma starts exacerbating or not being controlled with their inhalers,” Dr. Cao says.
You should talk to your doctor if you:
- Feel your medications aren’t working as well as they used to
- Have frequent coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Need your rescue inhaler more often
- Wake up at night due to breathing problems
Seek emergency care if you have severe difficulty breathing, rapid worsening of symptoms or can’t find relief after using a rescue inhaler.
Managing Asthma Over the Long Term
Asthma treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, preventing flare-ups and managing symptoms on a day-to-day basis.
“The biggest thing about asthma is maintaining your inhaler regimen,” Dr. Cao says. “An anti-inflammatory inhaled steroid and a bronchodilator are essential. We also try to be thoughtful about when oral steroids or antibiotics are truly needed.”
Overusing oral steroids can lead to significant side effects, which is why consistent use of prescribed inhalers and regular follow-up are so important.
Asthma management may also include:
- Adjusting medications as asthma symptoms change over time
- Coordinating care with pulmonary or allergy specialists
- Identifying and avoiding triggers
- Monitoring symptoms and lung function
Specialty Lung Care at AdventHealth Tampa
Living with asthma doesn’t mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With expert care and a personalized treatment plan, many people can keep symptoms well-controlled and reduce flare-ups.
At AdventHealth Tampa, Dr. Cao and her pulmonary team take a comprehensive approach — focusing on accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment and long-term support.
“It’s key to have patients see a pulmonologist or allergist to make sure we’re targeting the right thing,” Dr. Cao says. “That way, we’re not over-treating or missing something else.”
Learn more about pulmonary care at AdventHealth Tampa.
About Dr. Cao
Kimberley Cao, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist specializing in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. She provides care for patients ages 18 and older. Dr. Cao’s passion for medicine began in kindergarten when a pediatrician visited her classroom. Captivated by how doctors could help people heal and make a meaningful dierence, her early fascination grew into a calling to care for others during their most vulnerable moments. A career in health care allowed Dr. Cao to combine science, compassion, and problem-solving to make an impact every day.