Asthma Doctors near me in Winston-Salem, NC

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There is no common cause of asthma, although it is widely agreed that a combination of genetics (inheriting the condition from a parent) and environment play significant roles in who develops it and who doesn’t. Asthma often develops throughout an individual’s life, usually first appearing during childhood. The severity of asthma may vary from person to person. Many people with asthma experience infrequent attacks that can lead to wheezing and shortness of breath, while others may experience persistent difficulty breathing.

The most common triggers of asthma attacks are:
- Allergens such as mold, pollen, dust, and pet dander
- Physical activity
- Pollutants and irritants such as smog and secondhand smoke
- Cold air
- Respiratory infections (like a common cold)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Sulfites and preservatives found in food

Asthma develops over an individual’s lifetime and may vary in severity from person to person. Most people experience the symptoms of asthma during an “asthma attack” - or, an episode triggered potentially triggered by factors above, that results in sensations commonly associated with the condition.

These common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing episodes
- Wheezing while exhaling (a sort of whistling rasp as you breathe out)
- Chest tightness

More severe cases of asthma may cause chronic problems such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent asthma attacks
- Increased need for an inhaler (especially after physical activity)

While most asthma attacks are manageable with a quick-relief inhaler, certain triggers or a worsening condition can lead to severe - potentially life-threatening - episodes.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath that becomes rapidly worse
- Shortness of breath after minimal physical exertion
- No improvement in breathing after using a quick-relief inhaler

While there is no common cause of asthma, several factors may increase the risk that you or your child develop the condition. These risk factors include:

- Genetics: Asthma is often passed from parent to child.

- Allergies: Individuals who experience allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, and itchy eyes may also develop asthma triggered by allergens.

- Smoking: Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can dramatically increase your or your child’s risk of developing asthma.

- Pollutants: Exposure to pollutants, cleaning chemicals, and fumes (like exhaust) can increase your risk of developing asthma.

- Weight: Being overweight may increase your risk of developing correlated health conditions, such as asthma.

Absolutely. If you notice that you or your child are experiencing symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing after physical activity or shortness of breath, talk to a health care provider as soon as you can. While many people experience mild symptoms during an asthma attack, these episodes can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Like other chronic conditions, asthma requires management and medical care. It will not go away on its own, and it cannot be cured. Because of this, it is crucial that you seek medical attention for symptoms of asthma. Your provider can help you determine the potential triggers of your asthma and provide medication to help alleviate symptoms during an attack.

Unfortunately, no. Once an individual develops asthma, they will need to manage the condition for the rest of their life. This requires a care plan created in partnership with a health care provider that can help detect triggers, schedule medication administration, and introduce options for how to manage an attack.

In addition to a care plan, it is highly recommended that individuals dealing with asthma stay up-to-date on influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. These viruses can target the respiratory system in the body (the organs responsible for moving oxygen into - and through - the body). Flu or pneumonia infections can seriously affect your ability to breathe and may trigger a severe asthma attack. Vaccination against these diseases can help prevent emergencies.

In most cases, a primary care provider (such as a family medicine doctor, internal medicine doctor, or pediatrician) can test for - and diagnose - asthma. Asthma can be diagnosed through a physical exam, a test of lung function, or diagnostic imaging - usually a chest X-ray.

If your primary care provider suspects that your asthma may be caused by an allergic reaction, they may choose to refer you to an allergist who can work with you to determine the trigger and plan methods to avoid attacks.

Now, with telehealth platforms like Sesame, it is easier than ever to get answers to whatever health care questions you may have. Not sure about where to turn? Book an in-person or video appointment with a licensed provider on Sesame to discuss your symptoms and talk through treatment options. Doctors on Sesame can diagnose conditions, offer medical advice, and prescribe medication - if appropriate. If a follow-up appointment is needed, we will reach out to you after your first appointment to figure out the next steps in your treatment.

While asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed with a combination of preventative measures and medication.

Medication prescribed for the treatment of asthma generally falls into two categories: quick-relief and long-term control. These methods of treatment are detailed below.

- Inhaled bronchodilators: These inhaled medications work quickly to ease the muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs, reducing the physical symptoms of an asthma attack. Bronchodilators (drugs such as albuterol or levalbuterol) can be administered through an inhaler or nebulizer (a machine that mists medication through a mouthpiece).

- Anticholinergics: Anticholinergic agents (ipratropium or tiotropium) quickly relax the airways in the lungs, which can help make breathing easier.

- Oral/ intravenous (IV) corticosteroids: Drugs such as prednisone and methylprednisolone may be administered through a tablet or intravenous injection to quickly reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of asthma.

- Corticosteroids: These drugs may be administered as a daily tablet or through an inhaler. Corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation caused by asthma. These drugs (such as budesonide or fluticasone furoate) can cause adverse side effects. Talk to your doctor about whether or not corticosteroids are the right treatment for you.

- Leukotriene modifiers: Leukotrienes are chemicals released by the body when it comes into contact with an irritant. These drugs (such as montelukast) stop the production of leukotrienes, reducing inflammation and the physical symptoms of an asthma attack.

- Biologic medicine: If other forms of medicinal therapy haven’t worked for you, your doctor may prescribe a biologic medication such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, dupilumab, reslizumab, or benralizumab to treat the antibody, molecule, or cell receptor involved in asthma. Biologic medications work by targeting the specific underlying cause of asthma. These drugs are only used for the treatment of severe asthma if other forms of therapy have failed to work effectively.

Asthma cannot be completely treated with at-home solutions. However, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of having an attack and improve your quality of life. These therapies include:

- Exercise: Regular exercise can help strengthen the lungs and heart, which can reduce the risk of an asthma attack. Some people experience asthmatic symptoms during exercise, so talk to your doctor about what form of physical activity is right for you.

- Keep a clean space: Keep surfaces of your home clean from dust and mold. If you have pets, make sure to clean frequently to avoid the buildup of pet dander on surfaces and in the air of your home. These small steps can help rid your space of common irritants that cause asthma attacks.

- Quit smoking: This is a no-brainer. Smoking damages your air pathways and the tissue of your lungs, increasing the risk of asthma attacks. Even vaping can lead to symptoms of asthma. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible.

- Eat a clean diet: Obesity can make it hard to treat symptoms of asthma. Along with physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of an asthma attack. Additionally, acid reflux can contribute to symptoms of asthma, so eating foods that help control heartburn (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) can also help prevent asthma attacks.

Allergies happen when your body thinks that harmless substances, like pet dander or peanuts, are actually pathogens that could make you sick. When this happens, your body prompts an immune response - which causes the symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy or runny nose, and scratchy throat that make allergic reactions troublesome.

There is a wide range of things that can cause an allergy as well as a wide range of reactions you can get as a result. You may get hives from a drug allergy, an itchy tongue from a food allergy, sneezing from a pet allergy, or a cough from a mold allergy. Allergy triggers can come in many forms such as airborne particles like pollen or dust, or as a result of a sting.

Allergic reactions are one of the most common conditions allergists treat. These usually occur in the eyes, nose, throat, sinuses, lungs, and skin. Another common condition is hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which refers to allergic reactions that cause a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy throat. These reactions are usually caused by an allergen like pollen, dust, or mold.

While many conditions like hay fever are the result of seasonal allergies and occur during certain times of the year, perennial allergies occur year-round. Asthma, for example, occurs when the airways in your lungs swell and inflame, which causes excess mucus and makes it hard to breathe. Allergens and irritants can also cause skin reactions like eczema (dermatitis) and hives.

Though it is best to speak with an allergist for medical advice regarding your particular allergy, there are a few widely accepted allergy testing and allergy services available to keep in mind when looking for an allergy doctor. These include:

- Skin allergy test: This could be in the form of a prick test, a scratch/scrape test, a patch test, or applying the allergen directly to the skin.

- Blood test: Sometimes a skin disease can prevent a skin test from providing accurate results. A blood test can be used to confirm a skin test result.

- Provocation test: A test that applies an allergen in varying amounts to the mucous lining of the nose to see if you have allergies such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

Your consult is your chance to share with a doctor whatever symptoms are on your mind. You should come to your visit prepared to discuss any allergy symptoms you are having, as well as any questions or concerns you may have related to your allergy. Common symptoms include things like hay fever (allergic rhinitis), frequent runny nose or sinus infections (sinusitis), skin conditions like eczema and hives, and persistent cough. If you have visible symptoms, you can show your doctor directly. Your doctor may ask you questions about your current symptoms, such as when they started, how long they've lasted, or how severe are the symptoms. They may also ask you about your medical history and current medications.

After this initial assessment, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan. Immunotherapy is a common treatment that consists of a series of regular allergy shots that reduce chronic symptoms. The doctor could also recommend changes to your lifestyle to reduce your contact with allergens. If appropriate, your doctor may write a prescription for any over-the-counter medications needed to best treat your condition. Prescriptions are always written at the discretion of your doctor. Depending on your condition and its prognosis, your doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment.

Online allergy consults are also available through Sesame. Online allergy consults are a form of virtual care that allergists may offer patients for flexible, efficient care. During your consult, the doctor may ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and any current medications you're taking to design a treatment plan that best meets your needs. If you have visible symptoms, like a rash or hives, the doctor may ask you to position your video camera so that they can see the affected area, diagnose the condition, and recommend the next steps for treatment.

Allergy season is dependent on what allergy you have and where you live. Common allergy seasons include spring and fall for high pollen counts, while mold allergies occur when it's moist. This could mean winter if you live in the midwest, or from winter to spring if you live in the Pacific Northwest. It all depends on your allergy and your location.

You don't have to wait for fall, winter, or spring to arrive to get treatment for allergies. Book a virtual or in-person visit with an allergist without the fuss of an insurance company. You get fair, upfront prices for every service with Sesame. See who you want, when you want. No mark-ups or restrictions. Yep, it's really that simple.

It's never been easier to find an appointment with a real, quality pediatrician in Winston-Salem, NC. All you have to do is enter "pediatrician" in our search engine to find therapists near you. Browse services, compare prices, and book when you're ready. Plus, our no-worries booking policy means that if something comes up, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and still get a full refund- no questions asked. That's it!

Whether you're looking for a pediatrician or any other health care service, you can save up to 60% by booking your next appointment online through Sesame- no insurance plan needed.

Primary care physicians can specialize in different medical fields. While most primary care physicians can treat a wide range of conditions, injuries, and illnesses, you may want to receive a specific type of care based on your need, including:

- Family medicine doctor: Family medicine doctors can treat a number of conditions, illnesses, and injuries in patients ranging from children to geriatric patients. Family medicine doctors may receive continued training in pediatrics and obstetrics to be able to treat children and women’s health conditions.

- Internists: Internists specialize in internal medicine for adults. Internists specialize in treating conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and hypertension.

- Pediatricians: Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in pediatric medicine, or the care of infants and children. Pediatricians can do check-ups for children, provide immunizations, diagnose conditions and illnesses, and prescribe medication.

- Physician assistants: Physician assistants are highly trained health care professionals that have received a Master’s degree and intensive training to be able to work alongside the primary care physician to diagnose, treat, and test for a number of conditions and diseases.

- Obstetrician/ gynecologist: Obstetrician/ gynecologists (OB-GYNs) are specially trained to treat and care for conditions related to women’s health. OB-GYNs help with fertility, childbirth, and issues specifically relating to the health of female reproductive organs.

Put simply, pediatricians treat kids, family doctors treat all members of the family - from your infant to your spouse.

Family doctors often have a more holistic understanding of genetic health issues that run in your family, helping them tailor care directly to your family's needs.

No matter your choice of primary care doctor, Sesame can help you find quality affordable health care. On Sesame, you get to choose who you'd like to see, for upfront prices, on your schedule. Yep. It's really that simple.

It depends. Telehealth platforms like Sesame make it easier than ever to see a doctor online from the comfort of your home through virtual visits. These are real-time video chats with doctors and providers that are used to address symptoms, discuss prescriptions, and screen for health care conditions. Telehealth (also known as telemedicine) is a convenient way to see a health care provider without requiring the commute and waiting rooms of office visits.

In-person visits, however, are vital health services. Certain conditions and specialty care services cannot be diagnosed or performed via a telehealth visit. Lab testing, for instance, often requires an in-person appointment at a doctor's office. Similarly, some physical exams, chronic condition consultations, and urgent care needs require in-person care. Some patients feel more comfortable receiving their care through in-person doctor visits, and many telehealth services require in-person visits before a condition can be definitively diagnosed.

Health care marketplaces like Sesame offer both in-person and virtual care options. If you're unsure whether or not you need to see a provider face-to-face, we recommend that you book a video doctor visit to discuss your concerns and talk through any symptoms you may be experiencing. If an in-person doctor appointment is required, you can easily book a visit through Sesame's scheduling platform.

After you book a video appointment, you will receive both an initial confirmation and a reminder via email and text.

There are three ways in which a video visit can be accessed:
- Select "Join virtual appointment" from the booking confirmation email.
- If you have an existing account or created one at purchase, log in at sesamecare.com, navigate to 'My appointments,' and select "Join virtual appointment."
- Click the link in the text message sent to you 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

We suggest using Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to connect to your visit.

Over the past few years, telehealth has transformed the healthcare landscape giving patients better access to quality doctors and providers. Still, some may be unfamiliar with telehealth and its benefits.

In the simplest terms, telehealth is a means of managing your health with the use of digital platforms, video, and virtual consults with doctors and providers. This includes:

Virtual appointments: the ability to see your doctor virtually with video consultations. This is perfect for both new patients and those with ongoing appointments that don’t require an in-person visit. Despite what you may have heard, many conditions can actually be treated over video, including toothaches, moles, warts, UTIs, other vaginal infections, and more.

Correspondence between doctors: By promoting faster, more efficient means of communication, telehealth allows for doctors to better coordinate and address patient needs.

Virtual health records: Apps, sometimes called personal health record systems (PHRs) allow for the viewing of health care records from a web-enabled device.

Remote Monitoring: Apps that upload medical information, such as lung function, blood pressure, and blood glucose readings, so that your doctor can monitor you virtually.

Yes, physicians on Sesame can prescribe a wide range of medications, which can be useful for infections, allergies, and other acute ailments. Please note that they will not prescribe certain drugs, such as narcotics or medications that have been designated controlled substances through telehealth.

Otherwise, many of the prescriptions available in an office setting or urgent care can be prescribed if your clinician deems it appropriate.

Yep! If your visit results in a prescription, you have two convenient options for medication:1) you can get the lowest price prescription mailed right to your door with free and fast delivery through SesameRx; or 2) you can have your doctor send your medication to a convenient pharmacy of your choice, often with same-day pick-up.

If you're interested in saving money on your medication with SesameRx, ask your doctor about "Sesame's $5 medication" during your appointment.

Sometimes! Depending on the prescription medication that you need refilled, you may be able to get a prescription refill without direct consultation with your doctor. Based on the medication you need and the state you live in, you might be able to get your prescription refilled online.

Telehealth has made it easier than ever to get in touch with a health care professional for a prescription refill. Sesame offers convenient and affordable 15-minute video visits with real, quality doctors in Winston-Salem, NC, so you can refill your prescription without the hassle of going to a doctor's office. It's simple: Search for the care you need, compare prices, and book a refill visit on your schedule.

Note: You cannot refill a prescription for a controlled substance without a doctor's consultation. Doctors on Sesame cannot prescribe narcotics or medication classified as controlled substances.

You may cancel shipments that have not been processed at any time.

To cancel, log in to your Sesame account and go to the Your Prescriptions section. Choose the medication you wish to cancel and click Cancel Medication Subscription.