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Dr. Marissa Michel, MD is a pediatrician in WEST DES MOINES, IA specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Marissa Michel, MD is affiliated with UnityPoint Health and The Iowa Clinic.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the tissue and airways of the lungs become extremely sensitive to certain substances. When these substances are breathed in, the lungs become inflamed. The muscles around the airways tighten and squeeze the lungs, and passages within the lungs swell and tighten. The airways themselves produce mucus, which further clogs the tightened, swollen airways. A person having an asthma attack finds it very difficult to breathe, and a severe attack can even be fatal.
Asthma affects people of all ages, but people with asthma are most often diagnosed as children. Symptoms can include wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people have mild symptoms all the time, and some people have no symptoms at all, but everyone with asthma is susceptible to occasional severe attacks or flare-ups of symptoms when they are exposed to triggers. Triggers vary widely but can include:
Treatment for most asthma patients involves three steps. Patients learn what their asthma triggers are and avoid them. They take a daily control medication, usually an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Also, they have rescue medication with them at all times to take in case of a severe attack. These quick-acting inhaled medications relax the muscles around the airways and allow the lungs to open up for air.
There is no cure for asthma, but with treatment it should not interfere with daily life and activities.
Dr. Marissa Michel, MD graduated from University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. She completed residency at University of Iowa Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Pediatrics American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Iowa.
Medical School: University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine
Residency: University of Iowa Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Pediatrics American Board of Pediatrics
Licensed In: Iowa
Dr. Marissa Michel, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 60 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Marissa Michel, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in WEST DES MOINES, IA.
Marissa Michel, MD joined The Iowa Clinic Pediatrics department to be part of a physician-owned clinic dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. As a pediatrician, Dr. Michel is passionate about caring for children and developing strong relationships with her patients and their families. As both a mom and doctor, Dr. Michel brings a unique perspective to her practice, understanding parental concerns and striving to provide solid, evidence-based advice to help parents make the best decisions for their families. A lifelong Iowan, Dr. Michel grew up in Dubuque where she pursued her undergraduate at Drake University, and later completed her medical degree and pediatric residency at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Outside of work, Dr. Michel enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, staying active outdoors, exploring new places, or curling up with a good book. If she wasn’t a provider, she would have opened a combination bookstore and coffee shop – combining two of her favorite things.
