DON’T LET ASTHMA SLOW YOU DOWN!
Just because you have asthma doesn’t mean you have to suffer. With the latest treatments and your “know-how,” you can be free of asthma symptoms. Asthma doesn’t go away, but it can be controlled.
Who Is In Control
You or Your Asthma?
- Do you miss school or work because of your asthma?
- Do you go to the ER or hospital because of your asthma?
- Do you suffer from symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or have
trouble sleeping through the night because of your asthma?
- Does your asthma keep you from doing anything you want to do?
If you answered no to all questions then you are in control! If you answered yes to one or more, your asthma may be controlling you.
Know Your Game Plan
The first step to gaining control is to work with your doctor to create an ACTION PLAN or GAME PLAN just for you. Your game plan should include:
- Doctor Visits
- Medications
- Being Aware of Your Triggers
- Measuring Your Breathing
- Knowing What to Do in an Emergency
Know Your Medications
There are two basic kinds of medications for asthma. You may be taking one or both. You need to take the right medications at the right times. If you don’t, it can be dangerous.
Controllers |
Rescuers |
Controller medication is taken every day. It helps to prevent asthma attacks. |
SHORT-ACTING BRONCHODILATORS
A bronchodilator is your rescue medication. When you have an asthma attack it helps to stop it. You should always carry your rescue medication with you! |
Inhaled Steroid Medication:
Aerobid
Azmacort
Beclovent
Flovent
Pulmicort
Vanceril
Inhaled Non-steroid Medication:
Intal
Tilade
Common Tablets:
Accolate
Singulair
Zyflo
Long Acting Bronchodilator:
Foradil
Serevent
Combination Medication:
Advair (Flovent & Serevent) |
Common Medications:
Albuterol
Maxair
Proventil
Ventolin
Xopenex |
Be in Charge
Remember how you feel before you have an asthma attack? Back up your Game Plan by knowing the warning signs of an attack. And if you do have an asthma attack, knowing how to manage it helps you stay in charge!
Be a Team Player
Sometimes it takes a team to be successful. Your asthma Game Plan depends mostly on you, but there are people who can help you. Know who is on your team and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
- Doctor
- Pharmacist
- School Nurse
- Family/Friends
Know Your Tools
A spacer is a tool that you should use with your inhaler. It helps you breathe in the full amount of medication that is released from your inhaler. More medicine reaches your lungs, and less medicine is wasted. By using a spacer, you can manage your asthma better. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use a spacer.
Clear Your Hurdles
Triggers cause the airways in your lungs to tighten, making it hard to push air out of the lungs and even harder to breathe in new air. This is what causes symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Every person has different triggers. Know the things that cause your asthma to act up so you can avoid them or control them.
Which triggers affect you?
- Smoke
- Pets/Animals
- Dust
- Pollen
- Exercise or Playing Hard
- Strong Odors
- Change of Weather
- Other
Aim High
A peak flow meter measures your peak flow rate, or your ability to push air out of your lungs. When the airways in your lungs tighten, your peak flow rate will be low. Measure your peak flow every day, and chart your measurements. If you see a drop in your chart, you will know that your asthma is not in control, and you may need to change your Game Plan.
A peak flow meter is easy to use. Your doctor or nurse can show you how to use one and how to keep a daily peak flow chart.
Stay on Track
When you control your asthma, you will be able to do more! But remember - even when you feel good, you must keep using your Game Plan so you will stay in control! Here are a few other hints:
- Don’t miss doctor appointments.
- Don’t run out of medication!
- Don’t smoke! And try to stay away from second-hand smoke.
- Don’t use non-prescription inhalers.
- Get a flu shot every year.
If you have to go to the emergency room because of your asthma, make sure that you visit your doctor soon after. You may need to change your Game Plan so you can control your asthma better.
Practice Makes Perfect
- VISIT your doctor regularly
- TAKE your medications correctly
- KNOW your asthma triggers
- MEASURE your breathing
- BE PREPARED for an attack
- ASK QUESTIONS
Source: Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care website – www.afmc.org
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Clopton Clinic disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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