Asthma & Respiratory Allergies

If you regularly deal with wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty exercising, you may have asthma. For some people, symptoms are triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. For others, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections are the main cause. No matter the trigger, the right diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.

At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, our specialists help identify what’s contributing to your symptoms and create a personalized plan to manage them effectively. Whether your symptoms are new or you’ve been living with asthma for years, we’re here to help you breathe easier.

If breathing issues or allergies are interfering with your daily life, schedule an evaluation today.

Asthma and respiratory allergies can cause symptoms such as:

• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Coughing — especially at night or after activity
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Increased mucus production or throat clearing
• Symptoms that worsen with seasonal or indoor allergens
• Fatigue or reduced activity tolerance
• Frequent respiratory infections or persistent cough

We begin with a detailed review of your symptoms, history, and environmental exposures. Depending on your case, we may recommend:

• Pulmonary function testing (spirometry) to evaluate how well your lungs move air
• Allergy testing to identify environmental triggers that may worsen symptoms
• A trial of asthma medications to assess how your breathing responds to treatment
• Symptom tracking or peak flow monitoring to measure changes over time
• Exercise or breathing challenges to identify activity-related asthma or airway sensitivity
• Referral to a pulmonologist if advanced imaging or specialized testing is needed

Our treatment approach focuses on controlling inflammation, avoiding triggers, and preventing flare-ups. Your plan may include:

• Daily asthma action plants with as-needed asthma inhalers (controller and rescue medications)
• Allergy medications to reduce reaction to airborne triggers
• Lifestyle and environmental guidance — such as HEPA filters, dust control, or pet management
• Allergy immunotherapy (shots or drops) to reduce long-term sensitivity
• Biologic asthma therapy such as  (Xolair, Dupixent, Nucala, Fasenra, Tezspire)
• Emergency planning for asthma attacks, including inhaler technique and rescue protocols

We’ll tailor your care based on your symptoms, severity, and lifestyle.