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Asthma Specialist

John Paul Cardin Jr, MD

Family Medicine & Primary Care Physicians located in Long Beach, CA

Just over 8% of adults and children in the United States suffer from asthma. If wheezing and shortness of breath negatively affect your ability to complete day-to-day tasks or exercise, primary care physician John Paul Cardin Jr., MD, can help. At his self-titled practice in Long Beach, California, Dr. Cardin offers asthma solutions that improve you or your child’s ability to breath properly. Call today to learn more or book an appointment online.

Asthma Q & A

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your airways and your ability to breath properly. It causes the inside walls of your airways– the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs– to become swollen, sore, and narrow. This affects your breathing, making it more difficult to get enough air, especially during physical activity.


What are the symptoms of asthma?

Common symptoms you might experience if you have asthma include:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in your chest
  • Shortness of breath


You may experience these symptoms all of the time, during times of the year when airborne allergens are high, when working with workplace irritants, or during physical activity. Severe asthma symptoms might indicate an asthma attack, which can drastically restrict breathing and even be life-threatening.


How is asthma diagnosed?

Dr. Cardin completes a physical exam and asks you about your symptoms and medical history to make an asthma diagnosis. He also conducts a lung function test or additional screenings, such as:

  • Spirometry breathing or peak flow tests
  • X-rays or lung CT scans
  • Allergy exam
  • Saliva and mucus analysis
  • Pre- and post-exercise breathing tests


Based on your symptoms and physical exam, Dr. Cardin lets you know which asthma or allergy tests are appropriate for you. Depending on the results, he then determines if you have mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate, or severe asthma.


What is the treatment for asthma?

Based on the type and severity of your asthma, Dr. Cardin may suggest the following treatments:

  • Lifestyle changes to reduce asthma triggers
  • Daily asthma medications
  • Quick-relief inhalers
  • Allergy medications or shots
  • Bronchial thermoplasty, using electrodes to heat airways in severe cases


Home remedies that also help you avoid asthma and allergy symptoms include reducing dust and pet dander in your home, changing out air filters regularly, cleaning your home often, and preventing or eliminating mold spores from forming in damp kitchens and bathrooms.

When you’re ready for asthma relief, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cardin by phone or online.