5 Steps to Controlling Your Asthma

What happens during an asthma attack?

People with asthma have acute episodes when the air passages
in their lungs become more narrow, and breathing becomes
more difficult. These problems are caused by an
oversensitivity of the lungs and airways.

Lungs and airways overreact to certain triggers and become
inflamed and clogged. Breathing becomes harder and may hurt.
There may be coughing. There may be a wheezing or whistling
sound, which is typical of asthma.

Controlling Your Asthma

You can help get your asthma under control and keep it under
control if you do these 5 simple steps: 


1) Talk openly with your doctor.

Tell your doctor what you want to be able to do that you
can't do now because of your asthma. Additionally, tell your
doctor your concerns about your asthma, your medicines, and
your health.

It's also important to talk to your doctor about ALL the
medicines you take--for asthma and for other problems--to be
sure they will not interact violently. Be sure to mention
eye drops, aspirin, and other medicines you take without a
prescription. 



2) Ask your doctor for a written treatment plan. Then be
sure to follow it!

A written treatment plan will tell you when to take each of
your asthma medicines and how much to take. If you have
trouble reading small print, ask for your treatment plan
(and other handouts) in larger type.

3) Watch for early symptoms and respond quickly!

Most asthma attacks start slowly. You can learn to recognize
when an attack is coming if you keep track of the symptoms
you have, how bad they are, and when you have them.

Your doctor also may want you to use a "peak flow meter,"
which is a small plastic device that you blow in, to
measures how well you are breathing.

If you respond quickly to the first signs that your asthma
is getting worse, you can prevent serious asthma attacks.

4) Stay away from things that make your asthma worse.
Tobacco smoke, dust and viruses can make asthma worse. So
can other things you may breathe in, such as pollen. Talk to
your doctor about what makes your asthma worse and what to
do about them. Ask about getting a flu shot and a vaccine to
prevent pneumonia and other respratory illnesses.

5) See your doctor at least every 6 months.

You may need to go more often, especially if your asthma is
not under control. Regular visits will let your doctor
check your progress and, if needed, change your treatment
plan.

The bottom line is action. You can sit back just waiting
for your asthma to get better, and continue to suffer
needlessly...or...you can take action as listed above

Once you do, you will be on the way to getting your asthma
under control, and taking back your life!