Asthma treatment options for patients in the St. Charles, IL area

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Asthma treatment options for patients in the St. Charles, IL area

Imagine that you are trying to breathe, but it feels like there is a strong force squeezing your lungs tightly. Think what it might be like if you had to take all of your breaths through a straw. For many asthma patients, these scenarios are a reality as they try to live daily with asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways. Common symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest. The symptoms of asthma can be overwhelming, but luckily, there are many treatment options to manage the effects of asthma. With a proper treatment plan, patients with asthma can live healthy, active lives.

There are several goals when it comes to treating asthma:

  1. Managing asthma symptoms – Keeping asthma under control begins by working with your doctor to understand the best ways to manage asthma.
  2. Get to know your medications – It’s important to understand the proper use of your medications, such as a spacer or inhaler and make sure to take the medication as directed.
  3. Understand triggers – For many patients, there are certain triggers that cause common asthma symptoms. Learning how to avoid or reduce exposure to these triggers can keep asthma under control.
  4. Know the warning signs – It is important to monitor your asthma and to understand the warning signs of an attack.

There are generally two types of medications used for asthma treatment:

  • Short-term medications. These are to be used on an as needed basis to provide quick relief. In some cases patients may also be instructed to take their short-term medications before symptoms appear, like if they are about to exercise.
  • Long-term medications. These medications are taken every day to prevent inflammation, symptoms, or attacks. The most common type of long-term medications is anti-inflammatory medications.

Avoiding triggers that cause asthma symptoms is an important part of any treatment plan. The most common triggers are exercise, allergens, irritants, or infections.

Unmanaged asthma can be a scary condition, but with the right treatment plan in place from experienced doctors such as Dr. Askenazi and her associates, asthma patients can go on to live their lives just like anyone else. If you live in St. Charles, IL or the surrounding areas and you would like help managing your asthma, call us today.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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