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Asthma Tips

Signs of Worsening Asthma:

• Increase in symptoms of shortness of breath, chest tightness and/or wheezing
• Decrease in Peak Expiratory Flow Rates (PEFR)
• Increase in frequency of use of short acting bronchodilators
• Waking at night with asthmatic symptoms
• Decrease in exercise tolerance
• Need for emergency care
• Missing school or work due to asthmatic symptoms
• Decrease in quality of life due to asthmatic symptoms

Patient Guidelines:

1) Know your exact diagnosis.
2) Write your medications down and keep the list with you at all times.
3) Have a written list of emergency instructions.
4) Keep your follow-up appointments.
5) Never run out of medication.
6) Reduce exposure to triggers of asthma at home, work, school and when outdoors.
7) Monitor your asthma (PEFR).
8) Call your doctor when your asthma first flares.

Goals of Asthma Management:

• Good quality of life in spite of having asthma
• No sleep disturbances due to asthma
• Ability to work or go to school
• No ER visits or hospitalizations
• No life-threatening events
• Maintaining normal activity levels and the ability to participate in physical activity
• Avoiding side effects of treatment
• Excellent patient education (know your medications)
• Knowing what triggers your symptoms
• Establishing a good relationship with your physician(s)
• Knowing what to do in an emergency
• Being prepared at all times
• Good inhaler techniques
• Compliance with physician recommendations
• Environmental controls

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