Asthma COmplication & Prevention

Asthma Complication  

Complications Asthma complications include: 

• Signs and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work and other activities 
• Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups 
• A permanent narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes), which affects how well you can breathe 
• Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks 
• Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma 
• Proper treatment makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma. 

Asthma Prevention 

While there's no way to prevent asthma, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks. 

• Follow your asthma action plan. 
• With your doctor and health care team, write a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Then be sure to follow your plan.
• Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life. 
• Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia. 
• Staying current with vaccinations can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups. 
• Identify and avoid asthma triggers. 
• A number of outdoor allergens and irritants — ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers. 
• Monitor your breathing. 
• You may learn to recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. 
• But because your lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or symptoms, regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter. 
• A peak flow meter measures how hard you can breathe out. Your doctor can show you how to monitor your peak flow at home. 
• Identify and treat attacks early. 
• If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your symptoms. 
• When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an oncoming attack, take your medication as instructed. 
• Also, immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan. 
• Take your medication as prescribed. 
• Don't change your medications without first talking to your doctor, even if your asthma seems to be improving. 
• It's a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit. Your doctor can make sure you're using your medications correctly and taking the right dose. 
• Pay attention to increasing quick-relief inhaler use. 
• If you find yourself relying on your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, your asthma isn't under control. See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.

 

Love, 

Cik Purple