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Dr. Richard F. Van Besien, MD is a pulmonologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in adult pulmonology and adult critical care. He graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Richard F. Van Besien, MD is affiliated with WashU Medicine, BJC HealthCare, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
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. Richard F. Van Besien, MD graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed residency at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. He is certified by the Internal Medicine Pulmonary Disease and has a state license in Missouri.
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis
Board Certification: Internal Medicine Pulmonary Disease
Licensed In: Missouri
Dr. Richard F. Van Besien, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Richard Van Besien is a specialist in adult critical care and adult pulmonology. His areas of expertise consist of intensive care, asthma, and lung nodule. Dr. Van Besien is professionally affiliated with Christian Hospital, WashU Medicine, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a graduate of Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis' residency program. He welcomes new patients at his office inSaint Louis, MO as reported by BJC HealthCare.
