Living with asthma

Posted April 27, 2011 by Katie

There’s no cure for asthma, but you can control it and live your life with minimal symptoms. Ask these questions to see if your asthma is in control.

• Do you use your rescue inhaler more than twice a week?
• Does your asthma wake you up at night more than twice a month?
• Do you refill your rescue inhaler more than twice a year?

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, we suggest that you talk with your doctor and review your asthma treatment plan

What should I discuss with my doctor?

• Ways to identify worsening inflammation. Your doctor may suggest a peak flow meter. It’s a helpful tool that lets you know that your airways are narrowing even before you feel the symptoms, so you can seek treatment sooner.
• Use of medications. It’s important to have a rescue inhaler for emergencies, but using a daily control medication can help manage asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
• Your personal asthma triggers. Learn how to avoid them whenever possible.
• Your personal asthma action plan. Find out what to do and when, and where to seek treatment.

Additional resources

Asthma: Taking charge of your asthma

Asthma: Using an asthma action plan

 Photo credit: Creative Commons license Shawnzrossi 

The information written about in this blog is not intended to be medical advice. Please seek care from a medical professional when you have a health concern.