Asthma is a condition that affects your lungs and can make it hard to breathe.
We understand that living with asthma can be difficult. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. With the right tools and support, you can feel your best and spend more time doing the things that are important to you.
List of topics:
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Your lungs with and without asthma:
When your asthma symptoms are not controlled:
Is your asthma under control? Give the Asthma Control Test a try.
To take this easy test:
Take the test and know your score
Now that you know your score:
Each person has different things that get in the way of taking care of their asthma. The first step is to identify them. What gets in your way or makes it hard for you to take care of your asthma?
The following list may help you get started:
Download: What Gets in Your Way?Help is available to help you overcome these barriers. Make a call to one of the programs listed in the “What Gets in Your Way” document above to get you started.
There are two main types of asthma medications that you need to know about: Controller Medications and Rescue Medications.
Controller medications are medications that you use on a regular basis as prescribed by your PCP. Using this medication as recommended by your PCP can reduce your chance of an asthma attack.
Rescue medications are medications that you use when you are having asthma symptoms. Children should use a spacer with their rescue medications. If you need a spacer, talk to your child’s provider.
A trigger makes your asthma worse! Asthma triggers can cause an asthma attack. Each person with asthma has different triggers. When you know your triggers, you can find ways to avoid them.
Here are some ways you can avoid pests:
Dust mites are tiny bugs that are in almost every home. To avoid dust mites:
Mold grows in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. To avoid mold:
Furry pets can trigger an asthma attack. To avoid pet fur:
Pollen are tiny bits of powder from trees or plants. Here are some ways you can avoid pollen:
Tobacco smoke is unhealthy for everyone, especially people with asthma. To avoid tobacco smoke:
An Asthma Action Plan (AAP) describes the steps needed to best manage your asthma.
You can create an action plan with your primary care provider. Talking about this plan with your PCP can help you feel your best.
In order for you to get the most out of your action plan:
Click below to see some sample action plans
Are you interested in learning more? For additional information, videos, and resources on asthma, such as a medications chart and instructions on using an inhaler and a nebulizer, please click here.
Nurse care managers are here to help and support you! They will help you find out what is important to you, and find you the services that will help you feel your best.
To reach Intensive Care Management, call 1.800.859.9889 and dial extension 2023.
Registered nurses are here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Do you have a question about your health or a medical condition? Call 1.800.859.9889 and follow the prompts to talk to a nurse who will answer your questions or help you understand a medical condition.
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