WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is moderate or severe persistent asthma? Moderate or severe persistent asthma means you have asthma symptoms every day. You may also need to use your rescue inhaler daily to treat shortness of breath. Your normal activities are affected by wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. You have frequent flare-ups when your symptoms become worse. Flare-ups at night can affect your sleep and happen at least once a week. What increases my risk for persistent asthma? - Allergies
- Incorrect use of medicines, such as an inhaler
- Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Exposure to chemicals in the air
- Lung or sinus infections
How is persistent asthma diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask if you or any family members have allergies. He will want to know if you have any other health conditions. He will also ask if you know what triggers your symptoms. Tell him if your symptoms wake you at night or keep you from exercising. You may also need any of the following: - A chest x-ray will help your healthcare provider see if there is an infection or other problem with your lungs.
- Lung function tests, such as spirometry and peak expiratory flow rates, measure how well your lungs are working.
- Allergy testing can show if allergies to pollen, molds, dust mites, animal dander, or other items trigger your asthma.
How is persistent asthma treated? Your treatment may be changed to find the best way to manage your symptoms. Treatments may include any of the following: - Medicines are given to decrease inflammation in your lungs, open your airways, and make it easier to breathe. The medicines may be inhaled, injected, or given as a pill. You may need medicine to relieve symptoms quickly and to prevent future attacks.
- Allergy treatments, such as medicine or shots, may help control allergies that trigger your asthma.
How do I know if my symptoms are controlled? - You use your rescue inhaler less than 2 times in a week.
- You are able to do normal activities, including exercise.
- You are able to prevent emergency department visits.
- You are able to take your medicines with few or no side effects.
How can I manage my persistent asthma? - Follow your asthma action plan. This is a written plan that you and your healthcare provider create. It explains which medicine you need and when to change doses if necessary. It also explains how you can monitor symptoms and use a peak flow meter. The meter measures how well air moves out of your lungs.
- Identify and avoid triggers. Keep your home free of pets, dust mites, cockroaches, and mold.
- Manage other health conditions, such as allergies, sinus problems, sleep apnea, or acid reflux.
- Do not smoke, and avoid others who smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Ask about the flu vaccine. The flu can make your asthma worse. You may need a yearly flu shot.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your lips or fingernails turn gray or blue.
- You have severe symptoms.
- The skin around your neck and ribs pulls in with each breath.
- Your peak flow numbers are in the red zone of your asthma action plan.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You continue to have symptoms even after you take medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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