Asthma is a chronic condition that can range from mild and manageable to life-threatening. For patients suffering from frequent flare-ups or severe breathing issues, finding the right physician—one with deep expertise in respiratory medicine—is essential.
At the internal medicine office of Dr. Mark Akselrud, patients with asthma receive care guided by both precision and experience. Before establishing his practice in the United States, Dr. Akselrud served as Chief of the Intensive Care Unit at one of Moscow’s largest hospitals, where he also trained and practiced as a pulmonologist. This background sets him apart from the average internal medicine physician and provides him with a unique ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of asthma cases—from mild to medically complex.
Asthma is a disease of the airways that causes inflammation, tightening of the muscles around the airways, and excess mucus production. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or early in the morning.
What makes asthma challenging is that no two patients experience it the same way. Some have allergic or seasonal asthma; others develop it later in life or in response to exercise, infections, or environmental triggers. Dr. Akselrud applies his ICU and pulmonary expertise to uncover the full clinical picture and craft a tailored treatment plan.
His diagnostic process may include pulmonary function testing (spirometry), peak flow monitoring, imaging, blood work, allergy screening, and an in-depth review of the patient’s medical and environmental history. These tools help determine not only the severity and type of asthma, but also any underlying conditions—like chronic sinusitis, GERD, or bronchitis—that may worsen symptoms.
Thanks to his critical care and pulmonary training, Dr. Akselrud is well-equipped to manage even the most difficult asthma cases. He routinely treats:
Mild, exercise-induced asthma with short-acting inhalers and lifestyle adjustments.
Moderate to severe persistent asthma using long-term controller medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and combination therapies.
Allergic asthma, often linked to dust mites, pollen, mold, or pets, with antihistamines or immunotherapy.
Late-onset or non-allergic asthma, which is more common in adults and may require more advanced management.
Severe asthma with biologic therapies such as dupilumab, mepolizumab, or omalizumab, which target inflammatory pathways driving symptoms in resistant cases.
What sets Dr. Akselrud apart is his comfort treating high-risk, high-acuity respiratory cases. As a former ICU chief, he is experienced in managing acute asthma exacerbations, hospitalization-level care, and patients who have not responded to standard treatments.
Dr. Akselrud’s international medical background gives him a broader understanding of how asthma is managed across healthcare systems. He combines this perspective with up-to-date clinical guidelines from the U.S., ensuring patients receive both world-class care and personal attention.
His mission is not just to treat asthma symptoms, but to give patients the tools and confidence to take control of their breathing and live full, unrestricted lives.
Take Control of Your Asthma—With Expert Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with asthma—whether it’s mild, seasonal, or severe—Dr. Mark Akselrud can provide a tailored, high-level approach rooted in pulmonology and critical care experience. Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and begin a path toward better breathing.
