Asthma Control Matters

There are many misconceptions about asthma control. Find out whether some popular beliefs about asthma are facts or myths.

Fact or myth? It's normal to visit the emergency department once or twice a year when you have asthma.

This is a myth. Ending up in the emergency department because of your asthma symptoms is not a normal part of having asthma – it's a sign that something is wrong. There are treatments available that can help you manage increased symptoms and worsening asthma. Talk to your doctor about whether you're receiving the best possible treatment for your asthma, and learn what you can do to prevent emergency department visits.

Fact or myth? Poorly controlled asthma can cause people to change their activities.

This is a fact. People with poorly controlled asthma often face limitations in their everyday activit ies due to their symptoms. If your asthma is getting in the way of your active lifestyle, or if you don't know whether your asthma is under control, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available than can help get your asthma under control and also help you manage periods where your asthma gets worse.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Asthma-Control-Matters

More than half of Canadians with current asthma do not have their asthma under control. (A person with current asthma refers to someone who has been diagnosed with asthma.)

Why does asthma get out of control?

Asthma symptoms tend to vary over time, and every now and then your asthma symptoms can flare up. During a flare-up, also called an exacerbation, your asthma symptoms get worse, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing.

Why do asthma flare-ups occur? Doctors believe it's due to the way the disease affects the airways (breathing tubes). People with asthma have narrower-than-average airways because the airways are inflamed and swollen, and may be clogged with mucus. On top of this, their airways can be extra sensitive to certain "triggers," such as cold air or cigarette smoke. When someone with asthma is exposed to a trigger, their airways tighten up even further, which can make it harder to breathe. The airway swelling combined with the triggers can lead to an asthma flare-up.

How do I know whether my asthma is in control?

Is your asthma really under control? Take the asthma control quiz! Ask yourself:

• Do you have asthma symptoms on four or more days of the week?
• Do you wake up during the night with asthma symptoms on one or more night(s) per week?
• Does your asthma stop or hinder you from doing certain physical activities?
• Does your asthma get worse from time to time?
• Does your asthma get worse at certain times of the year (e.g., allergy season, cold weather)?
• Have you recently missed work or school because of your asthma?
• Do you take your "reliever" medication four or more times per week (not including one puff per day before exercise)?
• Is your PEF (peak expiratory flow, a breathing test you can do at home with a device called a peak flow meter) less than 80% of your personal best?
• Have you gone to the emergency room or made an unscheduled doctor's visit because of asthma symptoms in the past year?
• Does your asthma get worse when you get a cold or a respiratory tract infection?

If you answered "yes" or "I don't know" to any of these questions, your asthma may be out of control. There are treatments available that can help get your asthma under control and manage worsening asthma symptoms. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about ways to improve your asthma control, and what to do when your asthma gets worse.

What can happen to me if I don't get control of my asthma?

When your asthma spins out of control, it can lead to a frightening trip to the emergency department. You may end up spending some time in the hospital after an asthma flare-up. As well, you may miss work or school and lose valuable time from your personal life. Poor asthma control can also increase health care costs.

Controlling your asthma can help you avoid flare-ups and the problems they can cause. Talk to your doctor about getting your asthma under control, and learning more about treatments that can respond to increased symptoms or worsening asthma control.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Asthma-Control-Matters

Is your asthma out of control? Here are a few ways to tame it:

Know your enemy

Knowledge is the key to fighting asthma. Be sure you understand how asthma affects your body, which factors seem to trigger your asthma, how to use your asthma medications properly, and what to do if your asthma gets worse.

More than half of all Canadians who have been diagnosed with asthma do not have their symptoms under control. Over time, poorly controlled asthma can lead to irreversible damage to your airways. But, you can avoid this permanent change and live symptom-free by taking an active role in managing your symptoms.

Avoid your asthma triggers

A "trigger" is something that causes your asthma to flare up. Each person has their own set of asthma triggers, although people may have certain triggers in common.

Common asthma triggers include:

• air pollution or cigarette smoke
• perfumes or strong smells
• dust mites
• mould
• pollen
• cockroaches
• pets
• exercise
• cold air
• strong emotions
• food additives (such as sulfites)
• viral infections
• some types of medications (such as ASA (aspirin), anti-inflammatory medications, and beta-blockers)
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Try to identify your triggers by taking note of things that were happening around the times that your asthma flared up. Once you know your triggers, take steps to avoid them.

Use your medications as directed

Make sure you understand the purpose of each of your asthma medications and how to use them properly. There are 2 main types of medication: relievers and controllers .

Relievers ( rescue inhalers) are used as needed to manage the symptoms of an asthma attack, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or coughing.

Controllers are used to reduce inflammation and mucus in the airways; this can make the airways less sensitive to triggers and help keep your asthma under control. Controller medications must be used on a regular basis in order to be effective. If you stop using them because you feel better, the airway inflammation may return.

If you're not sure whether your medication is a reliever or a controller, or how to use it, you're not alone. If you have concerns about your asthma inhalers, don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor or pharmacist .

Talk to your doctor about asthma control

Your doctor can help you tell whether your asthma is out of control, make sure you are receiving a treatment that's right for you, and give you instructions on what to do when your asthma gets worse. Don't be caught off-guard. Talk to your doctor about what to do when your asthma gets worse.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Asthma-Control-Matters

How your doctor can help

Your doctor can help you get your asthma under control. Here are a few things your doctor can do for you:

• help you learn more about asthma and how it affects your body
• find out whether your asthma is under control and what you can do about it
• make sure you understand the treatment options available and what they can do for you
• help you choose the treatment that's best for you
• teach you to use your treatment properly
• advise you on what to do if your asthma gets worse

Time to see your doctor?

Could it be time for a doctor's visit? Ask yourself if any of the following statements apply to you.

• I'm not sure if my asthma is under control.
• I'm not exactly sure what each of my asthma medications is for.
• I'm not sure how to use my asthma treatment.
• I have been using my asthma treatment, but it doesn't seem to help.
• I am having side effects from my asthma medications.
• I'm not satisfied with my asthma treatment.
• My asthma seems to be getting worse.
• My asthma is interfering with my life.
• Because of my asthma, I've changed my level of physical activity.
• Within the last year, I've been to the emergency department or ended up in hospital because of my asthma.
• I'm not sure what to do if my asthma gets worse.

If any of these statements apply to you, it's time to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your asthma control.

Questions to ask your doctor

You'll get more out of your visit to the doctor if you come prepared. Here are a few questions to ask your doctor:

1. Is my asthma under control? If not, what can I do to get better control?
2. Is there anything in my lifestyle that could be making my asthma worse? What can I do to change my lifestyle?
3. Am I using my medications properly? If not, can you show me how?
4. Can my current asthma medication(s) be adjusted to respond to worsening asthma symptoms? If not, do you think I should be switched to one that can?
5. Could I benefit from trying a different asthma treatment?
6. How should I adjust my medication doses when my asthma gets worse?
7. What else should I do when my asthma gets worse?
8. What side effects should I watch out for with my treatment, and what should I do if they occur?
9. Other: ______________________
10. Other: ______________________

By asking these questions, you'll be taking a valuable step towards better asthma control. You may also wish to take notes during your appointment to keep track of the advice your doctor gives you.

Don't forget! When your asthma symptoms get worse, you need know what to do! Don't wait until your asthma lands you in a hospital emergency room. Talk to you doctor about what to do now, whether it involves learning more about your condition or learning how to adjust your asthma medications to respond to worsening asthma symptoms. Whatever it is, there is something for you to do, so make an appointment and talk to your doctor about it.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Asthma-Control-Matters