Wisconsin Forums

[AJE]

The following are some Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to limit my activities because of asthma?
Most people with asthma can live a full and active life when they are treated and are careful to avoid things they know can trigger their asthma. A suggestion given from my pediatrician doctor to naturally expand my lung capacity, I choose to be active during my teen years as I played the clarinet in school. But, your doctor can help you decide what your options maybe for controlling the disease.

How can I tell if my asthma is getting worse?
There are several signs that may mean the asthma is worsening. These include:
*Symptoms at night
*A drop in the readings on a peak flow meter of 20% or more (the doctor will provide them for your family as needed.)
*The need to use a hand held inhaler more often.
If you feel that your asthma is getting worse, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. Your therapy medication may need to be changed (for example you may need to change the amount of medicine, the type of medicine, or the way you take your medicine). Believe me I have gone through it too!

How can I tell if my treatment is working well?
The goals of treatment for asthma include:
*No symptoms or minor symptoms
*Sleeping through the night without waking because of symptoms
*No lost time from school or work because of asthma
*Full participation in physical activities
*No emergency room visits or stays in the hospital
*Few or no side effects from asthma medication

Use this above list to check how well your treatment is meeting these goals. All of these goals can be met with currently available medical treatments for asthma.

Are there steps I can take to help avoid symptoms of asthma?
Yes. Often, an asthma attack can be stopped in the early stages by taking medicine. First, it is important to learn what triggers your personal attacks. That way you can make an effort to avoid or control them. You can also identify what happens right before an asthma attack, so that you can mitigate a rapid respond quickly if these warning symptoms occur. You should work with your doctor to develop two treatment plans: one for day-to-day control of asthma symptoms and one that helps you and your loved ones cope with emergencies due to asthma.

Will I always have asthma?
Some people outgrow asthma as they get older and no longer have attacks. Other people like me continue with the condition throughout my life therefore I need to be able to avoid the things which trigger my asthma attack. So for many people, asthma is a chronic disease that always requires care and treatment to prevent or minimize breathing problems.