Expert Asthma Specialists in Florida

Personalized Asthma Treatment in Odessa, Port Richey & Spring Hill

Living with asthma isn’t just about managing shortness of breath. It’s about dealing with the anxiety that comes with it—the fear of your next flare-up, the frustration of sleepless nights, and the limits it places on your daily routine. Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or have been dealing with uncontrolled asthma for years, the key to feeling better lies in getting the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and the right support.

At Kratz Allergy & Asthma, we help patients of all ages get real answers and long-term relief from asthma symptoms. Our specialists work closely with you to figure out what’s triggering your asthma, how it affects your lungs, and what we can do to reduce your symptoms. With locations in Odessa, Port Richey, and Spring Hill, we make expert asthma care accessible across the greater Tampa Bay area.

Signs You Need an Asthma Specialist

Not every cough or wheeze is asthma—but if you’re dealing with ongoing breathing trouble, it may be time to see a specialist. Many people go years without a proper diagnosis, assuming their symptoms are allergies, sinus issues, or just part of getting older.

If any of these sound familiar, we recommend scheduling a consultation:

• Frequent coughing, especially at night or after activity
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing out
• Chest tightness, especially in cold or dry air
• Difficulty breathing during exercise or illness
• Needing to use a rescue inhaler more than twice per week
• Flare-ups that disrupt sleep or work
• A history of asthma in childhood that’s resurfacing in adulthood

We also work with patients whose asthma is “controlled” on paper but still limits their life in ways that shouldn’t be ignored. If your current medications aren’t helping enough, we’ll help you explore stronger, safer options.

What Happens During an Asthma Evaluation

An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief. At Kratz Allergy & Asthma, we take a personalized approach—listening to your full symptom history and using advanced testing to understand how your lungs are functioning.

Your evaluation may include:

• Pulmonary function testing (spirometry): Measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly
• Peak flow testing: Tracks how well your lungs can expel air over time
• Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO): Measures airway inflammation, useful for identifying eosinophilic asthma
• Allergy testing: Pinpoints environmental or seasonal triggers contributing to symptoms
• Trigger assessment: Helps identify things like smoke, perfumes, exercise, or infections as flare-up causes

Once we know what’s happening in your lungs—and what’s causing your symptoms—we’ll map out a plan designed just for you.

Why Your Asthma May Be Worse in Florida

Florida’s warm, humid environment creates the perfect storm for people with asthma. Allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites thrive year-round, and air pollution can trigger symptoms even on “good” weather days. If you’ve recently moved to Florida or noticed your symptoms worsening in this climate, you’re not alone.

Common asthma triggers in our area include:

• Oak, pine, and grass pollens
• Mold spores (especially in bathrooms, A/C units, and outdoor areas)
• Dust mites in mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture
• Pet dander from dogs and cats
• Smoke from wildfires or burning yard waste
• Sudden changes in temperature or humidity

We help patients across Odessa, Port Richey, and Spring Hill better understand their environment and make changes at home, at work, and in their routine that reduce exposure and improve breathing.

Advanced Treatments for Severe or Uncontrolled Asthma

Some asthma is mild and manageable with rescue inhalers or daily medications. But for many patients, especially those with eosinophilic asthma, symptoms are more severe—and don’t improve with standard treatment.

This form of asthma is driven by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that causes inflammation in the lungs. Patients with this condition often experience:

• Persistent wheezing and coughing
• Difficulty breathing even with medication
• Frequent sinus infections and nasal congestion
• Loss of smell or nasal polyps
• A history of using oral steroids like prednisone just to stay functional

If this sounds like your experience, our team will explore newer biologic treatments that target the source of inflammation.

What to Know About Fasenra and Nucala

Biologic medications like Fasenra and Nucala have revolutionized treatment for patients with severe asthma. Instead of treating the symptoms, these injections go after the source—eosinophils—and help prevent attacks from starting in the first place.

• Fasenra (benralizumab): A once-every-eight-week injection that lowers eosinophil levels and reduces reliance on daily steroids
• Nucala (mepolizumab): A monthly biologic that significantly cuts down the number of asthma attacks, ER visits, and hospitalizations

Both medications are FDA-approved and available at Kratz Allergy & Asthma for patients who qualify. We’ll help you decide if these treatments are appropriate based on your test results, symptom history, and past response to therapy.

Building a Personalized Asthma Action Plan

Every patient we see gets a clear, written asthma action plan tailored to their specific needs. This includes:

• Your current medications and how to use them correctly
• What to do during a flare-up
• Signs that require emergency care
• How to manage asthma during exercise, illness, or travel
• Lifestyle adjustments for avoiding known triggers

We’ll also teach you how to monitor your symptoms at home and adjust your care plan as needed. Asthma is a chronic condition, but with the right tools, it can be controlled—not feared.

Supporting Children with Asthma

Asthma often begins in childhood, and early treatment makes a big difference. At Kratz Allergy & Asthma, we treat kids as young as toddlers with care that’s tailored to their age, development, and family needs.

Common signs of childhood asthma include:

• Frequent coughing (especially after play or during sleep)
• Trouble keeping up with other kids during activity
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Colds that “go to the chest” or take weeks to resolve

We work with parents to explain how and when to use inhalers, what triggers to avoid, how to handle asthma at school, and when it’s safe to let kids play sports or participate in physical activities. Our clinics offer kid-friendly asthma education and follow-up care to make sure your child feels safe and supported.

Why Choose Kratz Allergy & Asthma

We’re not just here to prescribe medications—we’re here to help you breathe better, live more fully, and take control of your health. With decades of experience treating asthma and allergy conditions, we bring a deep understanding of how these issues intersect—and how to treat them with precision.

Our asthma care includes:

• Comprehensive testing and diagnosis
• Long-term management for mild, moderate, and severe cases
• Cutting-edge treatments like Fasenra and Nucala
• Family-focused care for children and teens
• Convenient appointments at all three locations

We take the time to get it right—because no two asthma cases are the same.

Visit an Asthma Specialist Near You

Kratz Allergy & Asthma proudly serves the greater Tampa Bay region with specialized asthma care for children and adults. With locations in:

• Odessa, FL – Easily accessible to residents in West Tampa and the surrounding suburbs
• Port Richey, FL – Serving patients in Pasco County with full allergy and asthma services
• Spring Hill, FL – Convenient for patients in Hernando County and Brooksville

Each clinic offers on-site testing, biologic treatment options, and a team that listens and cares.

Questions About Asthma? Here’s What You Need to Know

How do I know if my asthma is under control?

You may think your asthma is controlled because you’re not having daily attacks—but if you rely on a rescue inhaler more than twice a week, wake up at night from coughing, or avoid certain activities to prevent symptoms, your asthma likely needs better management. True control means living your life without constant adjustments for your breathing. At Kratz Allergy & Asthma, we help patients reassess their current plan and make necessary adjustments to reduce symptoms, flare-ups, and long-term inflammation.

What’s the difference between a regular inhaler and a controller medication?

Rescue inhalers (like albuterol) are designed for quick relief when symptoms strike. They open up the airways temporarily but don’t address the underlying inflammation. Controller medications—like inhaled corticosteroids—are taken daily to prevent flare-ups and reduce inflammation over time. If you find yourself needing your rescue inhaler frequently, it’s a sign your controller medication may need to be adjusted. Our team helps patients find the right balance between the two.

Can allergies make my asthma worse?

Yes, allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. In fact, many asthma flare-ups are triggered by allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander. This is especially true in Florida, where environmental allergens are present year-round. At Kratz Allergy & Asthma, we perform comprehensive allergy testing to identify your specific triggers and integrate that information into your asthma treatment plan. Treating both conditions together often leads to better results and fewer flare-ups.

What are the benefits of biologic treatments like Fasenra or Nucala?

Biologics are injectable medications used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma that doesn’t respond well to standard treatments. Unlike inhalers or oral steroids that treat symptoms after they appear, biologics target the immune system’s response before symptoms start. They reduce eosinophil levels in the blood, which helps decrease airway inflammation, prevent asthma attacks, and reduce the need for daily steroids. Many patients using biologics report fewer hospital visits, more stable breathing, and a noticeable improvement in quality of life.

Is it safe for my child to play sports if they have asthma?

Yes, many children with asthma can safely participate in sports—with the right management plan in place. The key is to ensure their asthma is well-controlled and that they use medications properly before and during activity. We work closely with families to provide action plans for school, sports, and daily life, including how to prevent exercise-induced symptoms. With a thoughtful plan and regular follow-ups, most kids with asthma can stay active and thrive just like their peers.

Ready to Finally Breathe Easier?

Whether your asthma has just started or has been part of your life for years, there’s a better way forward. At Kratz Allergy & Asthma, we help you get back to doing the things you love—without the fear of flare-ups, the hassle of overusing medications, or the limits you’ve grown used to.

Schedule an appointment to get started with an asthma specialist near you. Let’s create a plan that puts you back in control—one breath at a time.