Asthma Management

Asthma affects almost 24 million Americans and is a chronic disease that causes your airways to become inflamed, making it hard to breathe, causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to prevent symptoms and prepare to treat asthma episodes if they occur.

• Use a peak flow meter to help you learn the patterns of your asthma and tests how fast you can blow air out.
• Take your asthma medications as prescribed.
• Make sure you have a dedicated team of health care professionals to help you manage your condition.
• Get active. Physical activity improves lung capacity, blood flow, and helps calm the nerves.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major asthma trigger. It reduces your lung function. It may increase your chances of having asthma attacks.
• Know what to do when your asthma is getting worse or in case of an asthma episode or an emergency. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.