MD4Lungs.com - Yatin J. Patel, MD MBA

Sneeze & Snooze Clinic

Yatin J. Patel, MD MBA
Barb Chupp-Grove, NP-C
2417 S. Berkshire Drive
Goshen, IN 46526

Phone 574.534.9911 Fax 574.534.6915

How to control your Asthma Symptoms

1. Learn what things start or prompt your asthma symptoms. Then avoid or control them.

2. Respond quickly to warning signs of an asthma episode.

3. Make two treatment plans with your doctor: one for daily treatment and one for emergencies. What follows will help you talk about each of the above issues with your doctor.

Take your medicine at the first warning sign of an asthma episode. Some of my patients carry a course of prednisone and antibiotics with them at all times. Learn what starts your symptoms and try to control them.

Most asthma symptoms start when your airways are bothered by something. These things are called triggers. Your symptoms will be reduced when you stay away from or control your triggers. Your asthma will be more controlled!

Check the things that trigger your asthma symptoms:

Dogs, cats, or other animals

Colds or flu

Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds

Dust or mold

Strong odors from perfumes, paints, sprays, or other items

Smoke from cigarettes or from burning wood, paper, or other items

Weather changes or very cold air

Air pollution

Crying, laughing, or yelling

Exercising, what type of exercise?

Aspirin or other medicine

Other Peak flow meters can help you find out what your triggers are.

Peak flow meters measure how well you are breathing. The peak flow meter is simple and small. It can be used at home or at work. Talk to your doctor about this. Tell your doctor what your triggers are.

Ask your doctor how to control your triggers.

Make a plan with your doctor to take your medicines when you cannot avoid a trigger. Write your plan of action for staying away from or controlling your asthma triggers:

Respond quickly to warning signs of asthma

Most asthma episodes or attacks start slowly. Most people can tell when an asthma episode is coming.

"I learned that when my chest started getting tight, my asthma was going to act up. Now I take my asthma medicine when my chest starts to feel tight. I have prevented many asthma episodes this way. Once I learned this, I felt more in control." Deborah, asthma patient.

You can often stop an asthma episode when you catch it early and take your medicine. If you fail to do this, your symptoms may get worse.

Learn what your warning signs are. Make a plan with your doctor or nurse about what to do when you notice your warning signs.

Check the warning signs that you have before an asthma episode.

Drop in peak flow rate

Coughing

Shortness of breath

Tightness in your chest

Wheezing

Faster breathing

Itchy or sore throat

Other Talk with your doctor about your warning signs.

Tell your doctor your warning signs.

Plan what you should do when your warning signs occur.

Follow the plan you and your doctor make. This often means taking your medicine and resting. Remind yourself to take your medicines.

Here are some ways to do this.

Take your medicine at the same time as one of your daily routines. Take it at meals, when you brush your teeth, or some other time you choose.

Put a sign on the bathroom mirror or the refrigerator to remind yourself.

Ask your family members to remind you.

Always carry your inhaler that contains the medicine to open your airways. Always have it within reach.