Creating Your Asthma Management Plan With Your Doctor
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs, and it can impact your daily routine. When you have asthma, your airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Building a management plan with a doctor is a practical step toward handling your symptoms and maintaining your quality of life. Here is more information about creating an asthma management plan with your doctor:
Define Triggers
Identifying your personal asthma triggers is a significant part of your management plan. You may be sensitive to airborne allergens such as pollen and dust mites, or environmental factors such as smoke and cold air could provoke a reaction. Because triggers vary from person to person, keeping a detailed journal of your activities and symptoms will help pinpoint your specific irritants.
Undergo Assessment
A thorough medical assessment provides the data needed for an effective plan. Your doctor may use a test to measure how much air you can exhale and how quickly you can do it. This test establishes a baseline for your lung function, and your doctor uses this information to understand the severity of your condition.
Your doctor will typically also review your medical history and ask about the frequency of your symptoms. After gathering all necessary information, your doctor will classify your asthma’s severity. This classification, which ranges from intermittent to severe persistent, helps determine the appropriate level of treatment.
This assessment is not a one-time event; it’s a process. Regular follow-up appointments allow your doctor to monitor your lung function over time. Adjustments to your management plan will be made based on these ongoing evaluations and any changes in your symptoms.
Set Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals with your doctor helps guide your treatment approach. These goals are tailored to your lifestyle and the specifics of your condition. Typical objectives include:
- Minimizing daytime and nighttime symptoms.
- Maintaining normal activity levels.
- Preventing severe asthma attacks.
- Reducing the need for quick-relief medications.
An asthma management plan is a dynamic tool that you and your doctor will refine over time. You will learn to recognize when your symptoms are worsening, so you can take appropriate action. Following the agreed-upon plan is the most direct way to manage your condition.
Discuss Medication Options
Discussing medication options with your provider is a key step in managing asthma. There are two main types of asthma medications: long-term control and quick-relief. Long-term medications are taken daily to reduce airway inflammation, while quick-relief medications are used to rapidly open your airways during an asthma attack. Your doctor will explain the purpose of each prescribed medication, and you will learn the correct way to use your inhaler or nebulizer.
Get Treated for Asthma
Your plan should provide clear instructions on what to do during an asthma attack. For safety, this includes knowing when to use your quick-relief medication and when to seek emergency medical care. A personalized asthma management plan enables you to take control of your health, and you can prevent attacks. Contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment and start creating your plan today.
