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1) Introduction to the Management of Asthma

The management of asthma, much like the management of any chronic illness, is most successful when you are knowledgeable and actively participate in your own care and treatment. The Asthma Center specialists utilize an indepth diagnosis and treatment approach in order to develop strategies for asthma management that meet your individualized needs. The Asthma Center specialists recommend that you become familiar with the common types of asthma treatment and management. Part Two of this manual provides a comprehensive discussion of common approaches to asthma treatment including the office visit; environmental avoidance of allergens and irritants; pharmacological treatment; immunological treatments; and the use of special devices such as inhalers, spacers, nebulizers and peak flow monitors. Other issues related to asthma management discussed in this section include common allergic symptoms, sinusitis, GERD, laryngopharyngeal reflux, chronic cough, vocal cord dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cigarette smoking and physician/patient relationships.

Goals of Asthma Therapy

TABLE 6

• Control chronic symptoms
• Perform usual school or work activities with few limitations
• Prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm or sports asthma-related symptoms
• Avoid emergency room visits and hospitalizations
• Enjoy full night's sleep without respiratory distress
• Have a clear chest in the morning without chest tightness or shortness of breath
• Optimize pulmonary function
• Tolerate medications without side effects

How to Best Manage Your Asthma:

1. Find an outstanding asthma specialist.
2. Education: learn everything about asthma.
3. Participate in your asthma care in partnership with your physician.
4. Follow up on all your doctor's recommendations.
5. Use a peak flow meter as recommended.
6. Take medications as prescribed even though you may feel well.
7. Be prepared for an asthmatic emergency. Have a written plan and emergency backup medications.
8. Keep all follow-up visits for assessment and adjustment of treatment.
9. Never run out of medication(s).
10. Avoid known triggers of your asthma. Plan ahead.
11. Follow through with environmental allergen avoidance recommendations and/or allergy injection treatment when recommended.
12. Maintain good communication with your specialist. Discuss your concerns and ask questions if issues are not clear to you.

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