Is It More Than Just Bad Asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance.
Once your healthcare provider has diagnosed you with asthma and you understand what it means to have asthma, it’s time to find out what you can do to manage the disease. Asthma in no longer thought of as a single disease and the management steps may vary slightly depending on the type of asthma that you have. There are four known types of asthma. By working with your doctor, you can learn about the type of asthma that you have and the best treatment options available to treat that type of asthma.
Here are six steps you can take to keep your asthma under control.
- Step 1: Make Your Medical Visits More Productive
There are a number of resources available to help you ask the right questions about asthma management and treatment the next time you see your healthcare provider. - Step 2: Create an Asthma Management Plan
Learn how to develop a plan with your healthcare provider that includes key information on managing your asthma. - Step 3: Assess and Monitor Your Control
Common asthma symptoms can include a cough, tight feeling in your chest, wheezing, activity limitation and feeling tired. Keeping track of your symptoms will help you stay in control. - Step 4: Understand Your Medication
There are a variety of medicines available to treat asthma. Each person’s asthma is different and your doctor and healthcare team will work with you to set up a personalized plan. - Step 5: Reduce Asthma Triggers
Identify your asthma triggers and learn simple ways to limit your exposure or avoid them altogether. - Step 6: Learn Asthma Self-Management Skills
Learn more about asthma, including our asthma basics online course and what is asthma animation.
For Parents of Children with Asthma
Having a child with asthma can be a very scary thing. Fortunately, you are not alone. There are many resources and tools to help your child make lifestyle changes and help control their asthma to enjoy a full and active life. Learn more about helping your child with asthma.
Asthma and Other Health Conditions
Many people with asthma also have allergies, but there are other common health conditions that can occur at the same time. When you have multiple health conditions, it important that each member of your healthcare team know about all of your diseases, so they can find the best treatment options for you. Learn more about other common health conditions and the impact that they can have on asthma symptoms and management.
If you have asthma and smoke, make a plan to quit. The American Lung Association can help. Learn more about smoking and asthma.
