1. Get Used to Periodic Flare-Ups
Asthma is characterized by periodic flare-ups during which patients struggle breathing. These flare-ups are caused by swelling of the airways and increased production of mucus, both of which make it difficult to breathe and cause the coughing and wheezing commonly experienced by those with asthma. Over the long term, those with asthma will continue to experience these flare-ups which may increase in severity and/or frequency over time. Some people experience long periods without flare-ups and for others, the occurrence of asthma attacks remains steady over time.
2. Symptoms Can Be Minimized
Pay attention to which triggers can cause a flare-up. Common triggers include cold air, exercise, allergens, tobacco smoke, and other respiratory problems such as colds or the flu. You can figure out your triggers by keeping an asthma diary or taking a skin test to look for allergies. Your health care provider can help you with this process. Once you know your triggers, create a plan to avoid or minimize your exposure to these triggers. For example, learn to slowly warm up before engaging in intense exercise or cover your mouth and nose with a scarf when heading outside on cold days. Finding the best combination of medications may take time and occasional adjustments of your dosage or types of medications may be necessary.
3. Your Airways May Change
Over time asthma can cause airway walls to permanently change. These changes can cause the airways to become blocked in ways that cannot be fully reversed. This remodeling of the airways may make breathing more difficult. It can also cause some asthma medications to become less effective.
4. Know How to Monitor Medication
Proper use of medication is important in the long-term management of asthma. There are two main types of asthma medication: rescue medications and control medications. Rescue medications are quick-acting drugs that help quickly relieve asthma symptoms once they begin. These medications are usually inhaled broncho-dilators and should be taken when you first begin to experience asthma symptoms. Long-term control medications are drugs taken every day over an extended period of time to prevent asthma symptoms and flare-ups. They are used by people who suffer from persistent asthma and are part of long-term care. One of the most common control medications used is an inhaled corticosteroid which can help prevent swelling of the airways.
5. Visit Your Health Care Provider Regularly
An important part of the long-term care of asthma is regular monitoring of the condition by both the provider and the patient. This should include provider visits every few months. During visits, patients can review flare-ups and other related events and have their pulmonary functions tested. Pulmonary functions should also be tested at home. Your provider can also help you write an action plan for avoiding triggers and what to do when a flare-up occurs.
