(RxWiki News) In the United States, an estimated 15.4 million people are treated for asthma each year. This places an enormous burden on both individual patients and the US economy.
Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs that affects both children and adults. Symptoms of asthma include trouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing (especially in the morning or at night).
Asthma can lead people to miss days at work or school. It can prevent people from sleeping well. When not managed well, asthma attacks can even land you or your family in the emergency room.
Although there is no cure, medications and treatment strategies can help manage asthma.
Consider the following tips:
- Take asthma medications as directed by a health care provider. Some medications are only taken when you have symptoms. Other medications are taken every day to keep you from having symptoms.
- Make sure you always have access to your inhalers.
- If you notice that you are using your quick-relief medicines more, speak to your health care provider. You may need a different medication.
- Ask your health care provider about an asthma action plan if you do not already have one.
- Identify what triggers your asthma and take steps to avoid it. Some common triggers are tobacco smoke, pets, pollution, perfumes and dust.
- Avoid being outside or having windows open during seasons when your asthma is worse.
- Try to avoid getting sick — infections can make asthma worse. Wash your hands frequently and stay up to date on your vaccines.
Talk to your health care provider about safe ways to manage asthma and avoid asthma attacks.
Written by Digital Pharmacist Staff
