Self-Management of Asthma is vital for those with asthma to lead happier and healthier lives.  Preventative care and being pro-active about their health by visiting a primary care provider twice a year, developing a written Asthma Action Plan with their physician, getting the flu shot yearly, taking the correct medicine daily as prescribed, using a spacer or holding chamber with their rescue inhaler, discussing new treatment options and new medications with their physician, spirometry (lung) testing, using a peak flow meter, and allergy testing are at the forefront of asthma management. 

So Think and Live Wisely!

What Does It Mean By Having My Asthma "Under Control"? 

Goals of Asthma Therapy: Controling Your Asthma

• Prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms (for example: coughing or shortness of breath during the daytime, in the night, or after exertion/exercise).
• Require less frequent use (or less than 2 days a week) of "Rescue Inhaled Medication" (also known as - bronchodilators such as albuterol) for quick relief of asthma symptoms (but not to include exercise induced bronchospasm).
• Maintain normal or near-normal lung function and breathing ability.
• Maintain normal activity levels (INCLUDING exercise and other physical activity and attending school or work).
• Meet patients' and famllies' expectations or and satisfaction with asthma care.

By Controlling My Asthma I will:

• Prevent recurrent asthma symptoms and minimize the need for Emergency Department visits or hospitalizations.
• Prevent loss of lung function or breathing ability; for children - this means to prevent reduced lung growth by controlling asthma symptoms.
• Be provided the BEST medication management with very few or no side effects from medications.

Key Questions

Here are some ideas to talk about with your doctor. Take these questions to your next asthma checkup.

• What do I need to know?
  • What is asthma?
  • What makes my asthma worse?
  • Can I tell if an asthma attack is coming?
  • Will I always have asthma?
• How can I keep my asthma under control?
  • How and when should I take my asthma medicines?
  • What kinds of asthma medicines am I taking (quick relief, controller, etc)?
  • What can I do at home, at work or school to make my asthma better?
  • Do I have to limit any of my activities?
  • When should I get help from a doctor or hospital for my asthma?
  • How often should I see my doctor for asthma check-ups?
• Why will this help me?
  • Why do I need to keep away from my asthma triggers?
  • Why is it important to take my medicines the right way?
  • What can I expect to happen if I do all, or most, of these things?
  • What can I expect to happen if I don't?

 IF YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR RESCUE INHALER OR NEBULIZER MORE THAN 2 TIMES A WEEK - YOUR ASTHMA IS NOT UNDER CONTROL!!!    CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY TO MODIFY YOUR CURRENT THERAPY.

 

Click on the following for information on how to control and manage asthma!

Asthma Action Plan (PDF) 

Asthma Action Plan - Condensed Wallet Size

NEW* Asthma and the Flu

Asthma Inhaled Medications Defined

Diagnosing Asthma in Young Children

Dry Powdered Inhalers - What are they?

Health Affects of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke with Children

Key Indicators for Considering a Diagnosis of Asthma - from the National Institute of Health and the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Guidelines 2007

List of Inhaled Medications - includes NHLBI Guidelines EPR3 referencing

Safe Cleaning for People with Asthma - learn safer ways to clean your home and office

Types of Lung Function Tests - spirometry testing, peak flow meters, and other tests defined

For the Family

Things a family can do to get ready for an "asthma" lung doctor visit

Learn about asthma

Managing Asthma while Pregnant 

Asthma Informational Pamphlets  

Tobacco Use & Asthma Trifold - Know the Risks in West Virginia! 

Smoking and your health - for those with Asthma and Diabetes in WV

ASTHMA Guidelines TRIFOLD - Condensed version of the 2007 NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma Expert Panel Report 3

Asthma Trigger Banner

Self Management Banner 

Additional Asthma Links

*NEW Asthma Information for Patients and Parents of Patients

*NEW Asthma and Allergy Friendly Products - certification program to empower consumers to make an informed purchase decision when choosing allergen-avoidance products.

get asthma help - asthma action plans for children and available in spanish

Quest for the Code - interactive Asthma game available on-line and cd-rom that uses 3-D graphics, animation with celebrities to help children understand and manage their asthma.

For basic information on asthma in spanish in printable pdf,  please view El Asma under Asthma 101 on this site.

                                   

Note: You will need Adobe Reader (PDF) to view these documents.