---
title: "Asthma services at Sutter Health"
description: "Sutter's asthma specialists help manage symptoms with treatments like inhalers, medications, and therapies to improve breathing and quality of life."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) /
3.  Asthma care

# Asthma

Asthma is a lifelong condition that affects millions of children and adults in California. With personalized care, treatment and support from our asthma specialists, you can manage symptoms, minimize disruptions from unexpected attacks and lead a healthy life.

[Find an asthma specialist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Allergy+and+Immunology%22%2C%22Pediatric+Allergy+and+Immunology%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Why choose Sutter?

It’s scary to feel like you can’t breathe, but asthma doesn’t have to interfere with your life. If you’re coughing or wheezing, our teams use a range of diagnostic tools to determine if you have [asthma](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/asthma-inhalers-and-medication-tips) or another condition. These methods include pulmonary function testing, bronchoprovocation testing and peak airflow testing.

Our asthma specialists meet with you one on one to identify steps to prevent future asthma attacks, improve sleep and maintain healthy lungs for life. They’ll help you create an asthma action plan to control your asthma by identifying triggers to avoid and outlining which medicines to take when. Asthma action plans are also useful for teaching family, friends and peers how to help during an asthma flare-up. If your child has asthma, our pediatric asthma teams will teach you and your child how to control flare-ups, so they can live their lives to the fullest.

By the numbers

### 230+

asthma specialists

provide personalized care to you and your family.

### 10

Sutter hospitals

honored as America's best for 2024 by Healthgrades.

### 200+

care centers

mean you get care close to home.

### 1 in 100

Americans

receive their healthcare from Sutter.

## Need a referral?

Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am — 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788).

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Diagnostics

-   Allergy test
-   Asthma challenge tests
-   [Imaging](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/imaging)
-   Peak flow test
-   Pulmonary function testing (PFT)

## Treatments

-   Biologics
-   Bronchial thermoplasty
-   Controller medication
-   Inhalers
-   Nebulizer treatment
-   Rescue medications

## Related services

-   [Allergy care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/allergy)
-   [Immunology](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/immunology)
-   [Pediatric asthma care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pediatric-asthma)
-   [Pulmonary and COPD care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pulmonary-and-copd-care)

## Specialty programs

**Asthma Resource Center**

Our proactive Bay Area program at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is designed to improve treatment and reduce the need for patients with asthma to visit the emergency department. By collaborating with local health clinics, we identify patients who need help and match them with the right resources.

For more information, call [510-204-1588](<tel:\(510\) 204-1588>).

**Camp Wheez**

Camp Wheez is a free week-long day camp that blends learning and play for children with asthma. Along with crafts and games, campers learn about asthma and how to confidently manage symptoms. A team of physicians, respiratory care practitioners and nurses ensure the camp meets rigorous safety standards. Kids leave with knowledge, tools and the confidence to lead healthy, active lives.

For more information, call [805-681-7635](tel:+8056817635).  

![grandma-hugging-granddaughter-while-laughing](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/family/grandma-hugging-granddaughter-while-laughing.jpeg?h=3712&iar=0&w=5184)

## Asthma research

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children in the U.S. It tends to run in families, but environmental factors like pollen and pollution also trigger it. Research looks for ways to improve treatment today and prevent asthma in the future.

[View Research](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22asthma%22&verticalKey=clinical_trial)

In a minute: Asthma or cough?

Sutter doctor Hardeep Saini, D.O., discusses how to identify if your child’s cough is an asthma warning sign and how to get them the care they need.

## Classes & events

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Breathing+and+allergies%5C%22+%5C%22Air+Pollution%5C%22+%5C%22Asthma%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

-   Class
    
    ### [Finding Relief from Mast Cell Overactivity (Virtual)](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a922c3193564e6106f484c5/)
    
    Thursday, December 10, 2026
    
    Join integrative physician Andy Luckett, MD, to learn about mast cell and histamine disorders, what may cause their dysfunction, and integrative approaches that may help ease symptoms.
    
-   Class
    
    ### [Guided Cleanse: A Nutritional Path to Wellness (Virtual)](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a7cb4688820fb1922587dcd/)
    
    Monday, November 9, 2026
    
    In this class, integrative nutritionist Trisha Fernandez provides healthy support & dietary options you need to launch & complete a safe and sustainable reset. $62 includes one follow up appointment.
    

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Breathing+and+allergies%5C%22+%5C%22Air+Pollution%5C%22+%5C%22Asthma%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

## Helpful resources

[Maximizing Your Asthma Care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/maximizing-your-asthma-care)

[Online Self-Guided Asthma Management Class](https://sh-asthmamanagement.brightcovegallery.com/)

## Frequently asked questions

**What is an asthma flare-up?**

During an asthma flare-up, also called an asthma attack, muscle spasms and inflammation narrow or block the airways, making it hard to breathe. The airway walls thicken and produce mucus, further restricting airflow.

**Will my child outgrow asthma?**

Children don’t often outgrow asthma, and most people will have asthma for life. A child’s asthma can get better or worse over time. Asthma tends to improve as children grow and their lungs develop.

**Do older adults get asthma?**

Yes, even though more young people get asthma, it also affects older adults. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), asthma in seniors can be harder to diagnose and treat. Some asthma symptoms are similar to other conditions such as heart disease and emphysema. In addition, older adults often take medications, such as beta-blockers, that can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma.

**Is my coughing or wheezing asthma?**

While coughing and wheezing are two common symptoms of asthma, they don’t necessarily mean that you have asthma. Sometimes, a cough may be due to nose allergies or acid reflux. People also experience short-term coughing or wheezing with a cold, pneumonia, bronchitis or bronchiolitis.

Only a doctor can diagnose asthma. If you have a persistent cough or are concerned you may have asthma, [make an appointment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) with your doctor for a health history and diagnostic testing.

**If I have asthma, do I have to give up sports?**

Asthma shouldn’t interfere with physical activity. However, you should plan for exercise by warming up slowly and taking medication as directed. Avoid exercising outdoors when the pollen count or ozone level is high.

**Are asthma medicines addictive?**

No, the medicines used for asthma aren’t addictive. Be sure to take your medicines as directed and let your healthcare provider know if you’re having trouble taking your medicines.

**Should I try to “tough it out” before taking asthma medication?**

The lungs don’t get stronger or more resilient to asthma if you “tough out” an attack without medication. In fact, lung inflammation can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Always use medication according to the asthma action plan created by your doctor.

**Are asthma medicines the same steroids used illegally by athletes to improve performance?**

No, illegal steroid use involves anabolic steroids. Some asthma medicines, called corticosteroids, are safe, legal medications used to help prevent asthma.

**Do the steroids used for asthma stunt growth?**

No, steroids used for asthma won’t stunt growth. Large medical studies show that children using inhaled corticosteroids will eventually reach their normal height, despite small, temporary growth delays. Untreated asthma can significantly affect normal growth due to permanent lung damage. Work with your child’s healthcare provider and follow the Asthma Action Plan from your doctor for the best treatment.

## Asthma care for symptom control and flare-up prevention

Work with asthma providers at Sutter to create a personalized plan that helps control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

[Find an asthma specialist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider)

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma#medicalwebpage","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma#breadcrumblist"},"name":"Asthma care at Sutter Health","description":"Sutter's asthma specialists help manage symptoms with treatments like inhalers, medications, and therapies to improve breathing and quality of life.","inLanguage":"en-US","medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"Patient"},"mainEntity":{"@type":"MedicalSpecialty","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma#medicalspecialty","name":"Asthma care","alternateName":["Occupational Asthma","Allergy testing","Inhaled corticosteroids","Oral steroids","Inhaled steroids","Asthma","Bronchial Asthma","Pneumococcal Infections","Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infections","Inhaler","Nebulizer","Peak Flow Monitoring","Bronchodilators","Exercise Induced Asthma"],"url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma"},"about":[{"@type":"MedicalTest","name":"Allergy test"},{"@type":"MedicalTest","name":"Asthma challenge tests"},{"@type":"MedicalTest","name":"Imaging","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/imaging"},{"@type":"MedicalTest","name":"Peak flow test"},{"@type":"MedicalTest","name":"Pulmonary function testing (PFT)"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Biologics"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Bronchial thermoplasty"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Controller medication"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Inhalers"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Nebulizer treatment"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Rescue medications"}],"publisher":{"@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org"},"datePublished":"2026-10-27T11:27:04-07:00","dateModified":"2026-10-27T11:27:04-07:00"}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma#faqpage","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is an asthma flare-up?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"During an asthma flare-up, also called an asthma attack, muscle spasms and inflammation narrow or block the airways, making it hard to breathe. The airway walls thicken and produce mucus, further restricting airflow."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Will my child outgrow asthma?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Children don’t often outgrow asthma, and most people will have asthma for life. A child’s asthma can get better or worse over time. Asthma tends to improve as children grow and their lungs develop."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do older adults get asthma?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, even though more young people get asthma, it also affects older adults. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), asthma in seniors can be harder to diagnose and treat. Some asthma symptoms are similar to other conditions such as heart disease and emphysema. In addition, older adults often take medications, such as beta-blockers, that can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is my coughing or wheezing asthma?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"While coughing and wheezing are two common symptoms of asthma, they don’t necessarily mean that you have asthma. Sometimes, a cough may be due to nose allergies or acid reflux. People also experience short-term coughing or wheezing with a cold, pneumonia, bronchitis or bronchiolitis. Only a doctor can diagnose asthma. If you have a persistent cough or are concerned you may have asthma, make an appointment with your doctor for a health history and diagnostic testing."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"If I have asthma, do I have to give up sports?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Asthma shouldn’t interfere with physical activity. However, you should plan for exercise by warming up slowly and taking medication as directed. Avoid exercising outdoors when the pollen count or ozone level is high."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are asthma medicines addictive?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, the medicines used for asthma aren’t addictive. Be sure to take your medicines as directed and let your healthcare provider know if you’re having trouble taking your medicines."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Should I try to “tough it out” before taking asthma medication?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The lungs don’t get stronger or more resilient to asthma if you “tough out” an attack without medication. In fact, lung inflammation can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Always use medication according to the asthma action plan created by your doctor."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are asthma medicines the same steroids used illegally by athletes to improve performance?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, illegal steroid use involves anabolic steroids. Some asthma medicines, called corticosteroids, are safe, legal medications used to help prevent asthma."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do the steroids used for asthma stunt growth?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, steroids used for asthma won’t stunt growth. Large medical studies show that children using inhaled corticosteroids will eventually reach their normal height, despite small, temporary growth delays. Untreated asthma can significantly affect normal growth due to permanent lung damage. Work with your child’s healthcare provider and follow the Asthma Action Plan from your doctor for the best treatment."}}]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/asthma#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Services","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Asthma care"}]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Child's Cough or Asthma? How to Tell the Difference","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/723cbc06-174c-4985-849b-ef02542cc50e/d136b1bf-bfc8-42ed-812f-2c044366886b/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-07-05T20:07:57.601Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=6356753735112","description":"In a minute, Hardeep Saini, D.O., helps you figure out if your child’s cough is more than a cough. By looking at their symptoms and when they occur, you can spot the warning signs of asthma to get your kid the care they need.","duration":"PT1M12S","transcript":"Parents, there's one sound we all dread.\n\nThat's right.\nCoughing.\nMore often than not, a child's cough is probably related\nto allergies or an illness such as a cold.\nBut what if it's something else?\nLike asthma?\nTo spot asthma, look at your child's symptoms.\nIf they have a mild to severe cough,\nalong with tightness in the chest,\nwheezing and trouble breathing, it may be a sign of asthma.\nDifferent types of asthma can affect how symptoms appear,\nlike allergy-induced asthma,\nexercise-induced asthma\nand cough-variant asthma,\nwhere a prolonged cough is the only symptom.\nPlease, if your child is having difficulty breathing\nand has trouble speaking,\nsucks in their abdomen under the ribs while breathing\nor your child's lips or fingernails turn bluish or gray,\ncall 911 immediately.\nRemember, as scary as asthma can seem,\nit can be controlled and kept in check\nwith medications and small lifestyle shifts.\nIf you're concerned your child may have asthma,\nspeak with your doctor.\nThey can guide you through it all."}
```