Getting "Good Control" of Asthma

You know, of course, that breathing is essential to life. So is good medical care - which is where today's highly effective treatments for asthma come in. A diagnosis of asthma may threaten to throw your life off balance. Preferred Care cares about your health. Once you know the asthma "triggers" to avoid and the correct way to use your medications, it's easier to take charge of your symptoms - and keep asthma from controlling your life.

What is asthma and what causes an asthma attack?

• Asthma is a chronic disease of "over-sensitivity" of the airways (breathing passages). When you have an asthma attack, your airways narrow in response to some form of irritation, or "trigger," making breathing difficult.
• Asthma "attacks" range from mild to life threatening. In most cases, treating your asthma on a daily basis can greatly limit your chances of having an attack.
• People of all ages and backgrounds can have asthma. There are over 15 million Americans with asthma - including almost 5 million children - and their numbers are increasing.
• Common asthma triggers include pollen, molds, animal dander, dust mites, smoke, strong odors or fumes, respiratory infections, cold air, and sometimes exercise.
• By learning your triggers, you may be able to reduce your day-to-day risk of having an asthma attack.

The goal in asthma treatment is to maintain "good control" of your asthma, using the smallest amount of medication.

What is good control of asthma?

• To be free from coughing or feelings of breathlessness during the night, in the early morning, or after exercise.
• To be free from wheezing during the day.
• To maintain normal activity levels, including exercise and physical activity.
• To prevent the need for emergency department visits or hospitalizations by preventing asthma exacerbations or "attacks."
• To tolerate medicines well.

What kinds of medicines will my doctor prescribe?

Your doctor will use the "Stepwise Approach" to manage your asthma. The dose and number of medications, and the frequency with which you need to take medications, are increased or decreased as necessary to achieve control of your asthma. There are two basic categories of asthma medications:

• Long-term " control medications" are taken regularly (often every day) to prevent or reduce inflammation in the airways. Using these medications makes the asthma sufferer less likely to have an asthma attack.
• Quick-relief or "rescue" medications are designed to open the airways rapidly and are taken when symptoms of an asthma attack are first noticed.

What can I do to reduce the risk of having an asthma attack?

• Take your asthma medication(s) exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Use a peak flow meter - to monitor your breathing - as often as instructed by your doctor.
• Keep track of your condition and learn to recognize when your asthma symptoms are worsening.
• Know how to respond when an asthma attack is beginning.
• You also should discuss with your doctor having an annual flu shot.

Source: Rochester Community Practice Guideline. Approved 10/21/02; Next scheduled update by 10/04.

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Please click here to see our related health features, and topics to visit in our online Health Encyclopedia.

Posted: October 2004