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1. How do I know if my asthma is under
control ?
Your asthma can be
controlled when you manage your asthma and work with your doctor.
Generally, controlled asthma means achieving acceptable levels on at
least two of the following six guidelines for asthma management.
|
Parameter |
Acceptable Control |
|
Daytime symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or
shortness of breath |
Less than 3
days per week |
|
Waking at night due to symptoms |
Less than 1
night per week |
|
Use of quick relief medicines |
Less than 3
doses per week |
|
Physical Activity |
Normal |
|
Attacks of flare-ups |
Mild,
infrequent |
|
Missing work or school |
None |
2. How can
I control my asthma ?
Your doctor can help you control your
asthma. You also play a big role in taking care of your asthma, and it
is important for you to initiate your control program now! This
involves: * Taking your
medicines as your doctor suggests - Incorrect use of asthma
medication can result in poor asthma control. Ask your doctor to write
down an action to help you know when to take your asthma medication, and
be sure to take it exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor knows
your medical history and is in the best position to discuss the most
appropriate treatment for you.
* Watching for signs that your
asthma is getting worse and acting quickly to stop the attack - Ask
your doctor to write down an action plan to help you know what to do if
your asthma gets worse. Make two treatment plans with your doctors: one
for daily treatment and one for emergencies. Tell your doctor if you
notice you are using more of your reliever medicine (example: blue
puffer) than usual (greater than 3 times per week). This is often a sign
that your long term control medicine needs to be changed or increased.
* Staying away from things that can
bother your asthma - Environmental control is essential to
controlling asthma. Each person with asthma reacts to a different set of
triggers. You can learn to control your attacks by staying away from the
things that cause you to have asthma attacks. To identify the things
that cause you to have asthma attacks. Despite environmental control,
you may require medication to improve your asthma symptoms.
* Ask your doctor about any concerns
you have about your asthma - Write down questions and concerns to
discuss with your doctor. Include all of your concerns, even those you
think are not important. A useful tool for tracking patterns is to keep
a daily diary.
* Seeing your doctor at least every
6 months - Bring your inhaler to your next appointment of pharmacy
and ask your doctor or pharmacists to check how well you are using the
device.
3. What types of medication are used
to manage and treat Asthma ?
There are two types of medications used
to treat asthma: long-term controllers or preventers; and short-acting
relievers.
* Long-term control medicines are taken
everyday and include anti-inflammatory medications, such as inhaled
corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and combination
products. They prevent symptoms and control asthma. It's important to
keep taking your medicine each day, even when you feel well. This is the
way you can keep your asthma under control. Asthma can also be kept
under control by avoiding allergens.
* Reliever medications are called
short-acting bronchodilators and are used to provide quick relief of
asthma symptoms (e.g. coughing and wheezing) when attacks occur.
Short-acting bronchodilators help to open up the airways in your lungs,
providing quick relief during an asthma attack. These medications should be
used only as needed.
Some people rely solely on their rescue
"puffers" for instant relief of symptoms, without treating the
underlying causes of the disease, resulting in poor asthma control.
4. Should we avoid exercise because
of our Asthma ?
No. Exercise is as important for people
with asthma as it is for everyone else. Fortunately, if your asthma is
worsened by exercise, there are effective medications that you can take.
If asthma limits your ability to do exercise, your asthma may not be
well controlled.
5. Are inhaled steroids bad for
health ?
No. Don't be confused. The steroids
used for asthma are not the same as the steroids used by athletes to
build their muscles. Inhaled corticosteroids help manage asthma by
controlling the inflammation in your lungs. These medications have been
used widely, and their safety is well established. It is important for
you to take your inhaled steroids as your doctor prescribes which
usually means everyday.
6. Can I become dependent on, or
addicted to my Asthma medication?
No. Some people fear that the more
asthma medication they take, or the longer they take it, the more they
will need. This is simply not true. Asthma medications are not
addictive.
7. Should I stop taking my Asthma
medication when I am feeling better?
You should follow your doctor's
directions. Some people make the mistake of stopping their asthma
"controller" medications when they feel well, even though they are
supposed to take them everyday. It is important to take your
"controller" medication everyday to treat the underlying inflammation in
asthma.
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