Understanding Asthma: What You Need to Know

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects nearly 25 million people in the U.S. If you have asthma, the airways in your lungs become swollen and narrow, making it hard to breathe. Common signs include wheezing, coughing, and feeling short of breath. These symptoms often get worse at night, and can be triggered by things like colds, exercise, allergies, or changes in the weather. The good news? With the right care and treatment, most people with asthma can stay active and healthy.

If you have trouble breathing or think you might have asthma, talk to your healthcare provider. They will ask your symptoms and what seems to make them worse. Your provider might also recommend a couple of tests:

• Spirometry - this test measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast
• Peak expiratory flow test - this measures how quickly you can blow air out after taking a deep breath.

There are several types of asthma inhalers that can help control asthma symptoms:

• Quick-relief inhalers - these are taken as needed when you’re having symptoms. You may need to take it several times a day. These inhalers include a medication that opens up your airways, and may be combined with a steroid that helps to control inflammation in the airways.
• Controller inhalers - these inhalers are used daily, whether symptoms are present or not, to help prevent asthma symptoms. Controller inhalers have a steroid medication that helps to control inflammation, and may be combined with a long-acting medication that opens up the airways.

Your provider will help you figure out what triggers your asthma-like pets, pollen, smoke, or exercising in cold air-and talk with you about ways to avoid them. If allergies are the problem, your provider may also talk to you about allergy treatment.

It’s important to see your provider regularly. They’ll ask about your symptoms, how often they occur, how often you wake up at night, when you use your inhaler, and how asthma is affecting your daily life. If your asthma isn’t well-controlled, your provider can adjust your treatment plan. Making sure you keep these regular check-ins make a big difference and will help ensure that you can continue to do the things you enjoy.

If you have asthma, ask your doctor for a written asthma action plan. This is your personal guide for what to do every day and how to handle symptoms if they get worse. It is helpful to share this plan with your school or work so others know how to help you. If you don’t have a plan yet, schedule time with your healthcare provider to discuss one.

Exercising is good for you, but sometimes it can trigger asthma symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing. Don’t let asthma stop you from being active. Regular movement can help your lungs work better and it supports your mental health. Physical activity has positive effects on asthma and it can also decrease asthma symptoms and improve asthma control.

Before starting a new activity or ramping up your exercise, check with your healthcare provider and make sure your asthma is under optimal control. Having good control of your asthma before increasing your physical activity will not only make exercising easier, it’ll also make it safer.

Knowing your triggers can help you pick the best activity or find ways to work around them. For example, if cold air bothers you, try covering your mouth with a scarf to warm the air you breathe in. If pollen is a problem, think about working out indoors when pollen counts are high.

Everyone is different when it comes to what works for them and their asthma. Swimming is often a good choice because of the warm, humid air-but if chlorine bothers you, try something else. Johns Hopkins suggests that sports with quick, short bursts of activity such as baseball or football might be easier for some people as it may be less likely to trigger wheezing. The key is to keep trying something different until you find something that feels good to you.

Always have your quick-relief inhaler nearby when exercising to ensure you are being safe. Keep it somewhere easy to reach, like your gym bag, pocket of your workout clothes, bike, or running hydration belt.

• Take your medicine as prescribed.
• Make sure you know how to use your inhaler the right way - ask your provider or pharmacist to show you how.
• Keep moving! Let your provider know if your asthma is getting in the way of your activities.
• Keep regular check-ups so your provider can work with you to keep your asthma under control.
• Always carry your quick-relief inhaler with you, just in case.

You can live a full, active life with asthma. The key is to follow your treatment plan and work closely with your healthcare provider. If you have any questions, concerns, reach out to your provider-they’re there to help you take control of your asthma.