Loading Page
Dr. Mary Catherine Ernster, MD is a pediatrician in Madison, WI specializing in general pediatrics and general practice. She graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. Dr. Mary Catherine Ernster, MD is affiliated with SSM Health and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital (Madison) - Main Facility.
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. Mary Catherine Ernster, MD graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. She completed residency at Advocate Childrens Hospital. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine Drug Enforcement Administration Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Wisconsin Medical Examining Board and has a state license in Wisconsin.
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Residency: Advocate Childrens Hospital
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine Drug Enforcement Administration Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Wisconsin Medical Examining Board
Licensed In: Wisconsin
Dr. Mary Catherine Ernster, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Mary Catherine Ernster, MD does not have any reviews yet, be the first to leave a review of Dr. Mary Catherine Ernster, MD here: Leave a Review
Dr. Mary Ernster is a general practice and general pediatrics specialist in Madison, WI. Areas of expertise for Dr. Ernster include immunization (preventive vaccines), newborn care, and developmental delay. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. Dr. Ernster is professionally affiliated with SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital (Madison) - Main Facility. According to Yext, new patients are welcome to contact Dr. Ernster's office in Madison, WI.
