Many asthmatics believe their asthma is controlled if they have not been to the emergency room or admitted to the hospital. Breathing problems seem to become a part of life: you get accustomed to waking up at night coughing or wheezing, and cutting back on activities because you feel tired or short of breath. How do you know if your asthma is really being controlled?
What can you do to improve asthma control?
- Take your medications. Don’t stop taking your asthma medications without talking to your physician. Let your physician know if you can’t afford your medications.
- Take your medications properly. There are many different inhalers and some can be difficult to use. Show your physician or pharmacist how you are using the inhaler. If you’re having trouble, ask your physician for a different medication.
- Avoid things that trigger your asthma.
- Don’t smoke and stay away from second-hand smoke.
- Control your weight by exercising and eating right.
- Avoid getting sick. Wash your hands before eating and after visiting public areas such as stores and restrooms.
- Call your physician if your asthma gets worse or your medications don’t seem to be working.
- See your physician for regular check-ups and make a follow-up appointment within one week of going to the emergency room or hospital for your asthma.
Ohio State’s asthma experts can help.
Our goal is to help you maintain close to normal activity levels while taking the least amount of medicine needed to control your asthma. Our physicians are board certified and have special training in the care and management of asthma. Your care will be based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Asthma Treatment Guidelines to ensure you’re receiving the most up-to-date treatment options available.
We’ll assess your symptoms and medicine use at each visit and adjust your treatment plan as needed. You’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a certified asthma educator who will develop a personalized asthma action plan for you to follow at home. You’ll learn how to manage your asthma and what to do if it gets worse. Our team will communicate their findings and send a copy of your personalized asthma treatment plan to your primary care physician.