What is asthma?

Asthma is chronic disease that affects your airways. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways may swell in response to something you’re allergic to or find irritating.

What causes asthma?

The cause of asthma is unknown, but some people are more at risk than others. Risk factors include genetics, allergies, obesity and exposure to fumes, pollution, infections or tobacco smoke. Women and blacks also tend to have asthma more than other groups.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma can cause your airways to narrow, making it more difficult for your lungs to get air. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing (especially early in the morning or at night), chest tightness and shortness of breath. When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it's called an asthma attack. Severe asthma attacks may require emergency care, and they can be fatal. Not everyone with these symptoms has asthma.

How does Ohio State diagnose asthma?

Your doctor will diagnose the condition based on a lung-function test, your medical history and a physical exam. You also may have allergy tests.

How does Ohio State treat asthma?

Doctors use two kinds of medicine to treat asthma: quick-relief medicines to stop symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms from developing.

Why choose Ohio State for asthma treatment?

The OSU Asthma Center is the only dedicated asthma center in central Ohio. We provide evidence-based treatment supported by research and state-of-the-art services personalized for each patient. You can learn more about Ohio State’s approach to asthma care in our dedicated asthma section.

Our Providers

Our Providers

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Matthew Exline, MD
4.9 out of 5

Matthew Exline, MD

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physician

Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
(614) 293-4925
Megan Conroy, MD
4.8 out of 5

Megan Conroy, MD

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physician

Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Outpatient Care New Albany
  • Lung Care in Outpatient Care New Albany
(614) 293-4925
Jing Wang, MD
4.9 out of 5

Jing Wang, MD

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physician

Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
  • Outpatient Care East
(614) 293-4925

Our Locations

Lung Care

in Outpatient Care East
543 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
614-688-6540

Lung Care

in Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
2050 Kenny Road
Suite 2200
Columbus, OH 43221
614-293-4925

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