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Patient Education

Asthma / Reactive Airway Disease

Calm, attentive asthma care that helps you breathe easier and stay ahead of flare-ups.

Asthma, sometimes called reactive airway disease, causes the airways in your lungs to tighten and inflame in response to certain triggers, making it harder to breathe. With the right plan, most people in Los Angeles control their symptoms well — through inhaled bronchodilator therapy, inhaled corticosteroids, and careful attention to what sets your airways off.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • Wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe out
  • Shortness of breath or a tight feeling in your chest
  • A persistent cough, often worse at night or early morning
  • Trouble catching your breath during exercise or activity
  • Needing your rescue inhaler more often than usual

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander
  • Respiratory infections, including colds and the flu
  • Smoke, air pollution, and strong fragrances or chemicals
  • Cold air, exercise, and sudden weather changes
  • A personal or family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema

How Dr. Golian Manages Asthma / Reactive Airway Disease

Dr. Golian begins by understanding your symptom pattern, triggers, and how asthma affects your daily life, often coordinating pulmonary function testing to confirm the diagnosis and gauge severity. Together you'll build a clear plan that pairs daily controller medication with a rescue inhaler, and an action plan for what to do when symptoms flare.

Because asthma overlaps with conditions like allergies and can be confused with COPD or lingering respiratory infections, she takes care to get the full picture. When more specialized testing or treatment is needed, she arranges a referral to a trusted pulmonologist.

Living Well with Asthma

Many flare-ups are preventable. Identifying and reducing your personal triggers, keeping up with seasonal flu vaccination, and using your controller inhaler consistently can keep your airways calm and your activity unrestricted.

Dr. Golian reviews your inhaler technique and adjusts your plan as the seasons and your symptoms change, so you stay in control year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How do I know if it's asthma or just a lingering cough?
A cough that keeps returning — especially at night, with exercise, or alongside wheezing or chest tightness — can be a sign of asthma rather than a simple cold. Dr. Golian can evaluate your symptoms and coordinate pulmonary function testing to find out for certain.
2What's the difference between my rescue inhaler and my daily inhaler?
A rescue (bronchodilator) inhaler quickly relaxes tight airways during a flare-up, while a daily controller inhaler — often an inhaled corticosteroid — reduces inflammation over time to prevent symptoms. Most people with persistent asthma benefit from using both as directed.
3Do I need to see a pulmonologist for my asthma?
Many people manage asthma well in primary care. If your symptoms are hard to control, severe, or unclear, Dr. Golian will arrange a referral to a trusted pulmonologist and coordinate your care.
4Can I still exercise if I have asthma?
Yes. With a well-controlled plan, most people stay fully active. If exercise triggers your symptoms, Dr. Golian can adjust your medications and timing so you can move comfortably.
5How can I reduce asthma flare-ups at home?
Limiting exposure to your triggers — dust, pet dander, smoke, and strong fragrances — staying current on vaccinations, and using your controller inhaler consistently all help. Dr. Golian will tailor a prevention plan to your specific triggers and lifestyle in Los Angeles.

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Breathe Easier with Personalized Asthma Care

Let's build an asthma and reactive airway disease plan that keeps you in control and your symptoms at bay.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.