Crystal Lake, IL Allergist on understanding asthma

Crystal Lake, IL Allergist on understanding asthma

Nearly 25 million Americans, almost half under the age of 18, have asthma. That is a staggering number. Asthma causes inflammation in the airway, making breathing difficult and causing a host of symptoms that can include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and tightening of the chest. Asthma is a serious chronic disease that can inhibit a person’s ability to lead an active lifestyle. When left untreated, asthma can lead to frequent emergency room and hospital visits. Fortunately, with proper treatment, most people can live an active and productive life with Asthma. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, we diagnose and treat people for asthma on a daily basis.

Understanding Asthma: Symptoms

There are three main symptoms associated with asthma: airway obstruction, swelling of the bronchial tubes, and sensitive airways.

  1. Airway obstruction. In people suffering from asthma, environmental and allergens can cause the bands around the airway to tighten, leading to shortness of breath and wheezing.
  2. Swelling of bronchial tubes. Treating this type of inflammation is imperative to controlling long-term damage to the lungs from asthma.
  3. Sensitive airways. People with asthma tend to have reactions to even the smallest amounts of allergen triggers like pollen, animal dander, and dust.

Understanding Asthma: Causes

The cause of asthma is generally unknown and can vary in each individual. The one symptom that is consistent across the board is narrowing and inflammation of the airways in response to asthma triggers.

Asthma attacks occur when the muscles around the airway begin to spasm, the airways become inflamed, and large amounts of mucous make breathing difficult. Wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath are common signs of an asthma attack.

Understanding Asthma: Treatment

Asthma medications can control the disease and allow patients to leave a healthy, active life. Inhaled steroids are one of the most common treatments for asthma sufferers. They reduce mucus production and inflammation of the airways, making them less likely to respond to triggers. Inhalers are the best way to deliver medication to the lungs. Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers (rescue inhalers) can work quickly to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. These are not considered daily routine treatment and should be used less than twice per week.

Come in to our clinic today to learn more about asthma, and discover how, with proper diagnosis and treatment, asthma sufferers can regain control of their daily life.

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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.