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If you’re an asthma sufferer, you know that your asthma is something you have to live with for the rest of your life. That’s a daunting thought when you don’t have a good handle on your condition, but we’re here to help. Check out these steps you can use to take control of your asthma and your life!
What is Controlled Asthma?
Before you can take control of your asthma, you have to understand what controlled asthma really means. Well controlled asthma shouldn’t interfere with your day to day life. You should be able to sleep through the night asthma symptoms waking you up. If you’re taking a rescue inhaler more than 4 times per week, your asthma is not well controlled. You should be able to pass a spirometry test given by your physician too.
Talk with Your Doctor
If you feel like you don’t have control over your asthma, it’s time to speak with your doctor. Set up an appointment to discuss your concerns. You can explore new monitoring options, long-term medications, and rescue inhalers. You may just need a small dose adjustment on a medication you’re currently taking. Your physician can’t help you if they don’t know there’s a problem. It’s your health – speak up!
Ask Questions
At your appointment, show your physician how you take your long-term and rescue medication. If you’re taking it wrong, it won’t be working effectively, but they can show you the correct way. If you have questions about how or when to receive your medication, now is the time to ask.
Identify Triggers
Next, you need to identify your triggers. To do this, you should keep a log of your asthma symptoms. When your symptoms get worse, make a note of the weather, time of year, environment you’re in, and what activity you were doing. Cold weather and vigorous exercise are two of the most common triggers. Once you know what triggers your asthma symptoms, you can begin avoiding them.
Controlling your asthma is a process that’s never really finished. Regular check-ups, monitoring, and medication adjustments will be a part of your life no matter how much time passes. What matters is the life you live in between those appointments with your physician. Asthma may mean that you need to pay closer attention to your body, but it should never indicate that you aren’t living the life you want to live!
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