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Dr. Laura P. Richardson, MD, MPH is an adolescent medicine doctor in Seattle, WA specializing in adolescent medicine and general pediatrics. Dr. Laura P. Richardson, MD, MPH is affiliated with Seattle Children's.
4540 Sand Point Way Ne
Seattle, WA 98105
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.
She completed residency at University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certification: Adolescent Medicine and has a state license in Washington.
Residency: University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Board Certification: Adolescent Medicine
Licensed In: Washington
Dr. Laura P. Richardson, MD, MPH is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Laura Richardson specializes in adolescent medicine and general pediatrics. Dr. Richardson's clinical interests include diabetes, asthma, and research. Her residency was performed at a hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan. Her distinctions include: {{ award; name }} - {{ award; and description }} - {{ award. She is professionally affiliated with Seattle Children's.
