Breathe without thinking about itControlled asthma, normal life
If you cough at night, wheeze when you breathe or use your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma is not under control. And it can be fixed.
The test that confirms or rules out asthma.
50% of asthma patients live with uncontrolled disease without knowing it.
If you use salbutamol more than twice a week, your asthma is not under control. A spirometry test and a GINA plan can change that.
Does any of this sound familiar?
If you recognize two or more of these signs, a spirometry test with a bronchodilator is worthwhile.
Wheezing when breathing
Like a whistle in your chest
Nighttime cough
It wakes you between 2 and 5 a.m.
Tight chest
Like a band when you exert yourself
Frequent inhaler use
More than 2× a week
If this is you, don't put it off
Some factors make the bronchi inflame and close up more easily. Having several of them multiplies the risk.
Family history
Parents or siblings with asthma, rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.
Rhinitis or allergies
Sneezing, watery eyes, eczema. The nose and bronchi usually go together.
Living in Mexico City
Ozone, PM2.5 and NO₂ trigger attacks and emergency room visits.
Tobacco or wood smoke
Active, passive or from wood smoke. It worsens the whole picture and a smoking-cessation program is worthwhile.
Uncontrolled asthma you feel; controlled asthma, you don't
The difference between living in fear of the next attack and forgetting you even have asthma is called maintenance treatment.
Without control vs with GINA control
- Nighttime awakenings from coughing
- Daily or near-daily salbutamol
- Missed work or school
- Risk of hospitalization
- Full sleep, no cough
- Rescue use ≤2 times per week
- Exercise without restriction
- No emergency visits or oral steroids
A 60–80% reduction in hospitalizations when the patient receives a maintenance inhaled corticosteroid instead of rescue medication alone.
This is an emergency, not a consultation
A severe asthma attack can become life-threatening within minutes. If you have any of these signs, go to the emergency room or call 911.
Go to the emergency room if:
- You can't finish a sentence because you're short of breath
- Blue lips or nails, pale skin or cold sweat
- The rescue inhaler no longer relieves you
- Chest like a very tight band that won't ease
- You're short of breath even sitting still
- Drowsiness, confusion or disorientation
Do you cough at night, wheeze or use your inhaler daily?
- Spirometry with bronchodilator during the visit
- Precise diagnosis + the correct GINA step
- Correct inhaler and supervised technique
- Printed action plan for attacks
Don't wait for the next attack
Take control of your asthma.
Breathe without thinking about it.
Spirometry, a GINA plan and correct inhalation technique from the very first visit.
Book my appointmentFrequently asked questions about asthma
The questions I'm asked most in the office about diagnosis and control.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Compatible symptoms (wheezing, cough, tightness, shortness of breath) plus spirometry with a bronchodilator that demonstrates reversible obstruction. In selected cases it is complemented with FeNO or allergy testing.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. With the right treatment according to the GINA guidelines, most patients live free of attacks and without limitations on exercising or sleeping.
What should you do during an asthma attack?
Use the rescue inhaler (salbutamol) every 20 minutes during the first hour, stay calm and breathe through your nose. If it doesn't improve, your lips turn blue or you can't speak in full sentences, go to the emergency room.
How much does an asthma consultation cost in Mexico City?
Message us on WhatsApp at 55 9170 8334 to get up-to-date prices for the consultation and spirometry.
Find me here
Hospital Santa Coleta
Saturnino Herrán 59, Suite 507San José Insurgentes, Benito Juárez
03900 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Office hours
Monday to Friday: 4:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
By appointmentImportant medical notice: The information on this site is educational and informational in nature, prepared by Dr. William César Lara Vázquez, and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment with a medical professional. If you have any respiratory symptom, see your doctor or go to the emergency department. In the event of a respiratory emergency, call 911.