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What You Can Do About Asthma

You can get asthma at any age. When you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are sensitive. They may get smaller when you are around things that trigger your asthma like pets, dust, and smoke. This makes it hard for you to breathe. You may cough and make wheezing sounds. This is called a flare-up.

To help prevent asthma flare-ups:

• Stay away from things that start, or trigger, your flare-ups
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for using your asthma medicines
• See your doctor regularly

It’s important to follow your doctor’s directions, and try to avoid things that can trigger an attack, such as:

• Dust in beds and pillows
• Animals with fur
• Cigarette and other smoke
• Molds
• Strong smells and sprays
• Colds
• Aspirin
• The weather
• Emotional upset

Don’t let asthma slow you down. Our Breathe Better with Preferred Caresm program can help you have an active life by learning what things you can do to control asthma.

We also can help you:

• To quit smoking
• Take care of other health problems you may have
• Work with your doctor
• Find a support group and other helpful services and programs
• Sign up for our free You’re in Charge!sm classes that can help you

Call our Breathe Better with Preferred Care program Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time at (585) 258-8076 or (800) 933-3920, extension 8076.

TTY users may call (585) 325-2629 or (800) 252-2452.

Reprinted from Preferred Care’s Winter 2004-05 Living Well newsletter for Gold/GoldValue members.

Posted: January 2005