~ A Visual Guide to Asthma ~

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Diagnosing Asthma



If you have symptoms of asthma, your doctor will want to check how well your lungs are working. A lung function test, also called spirometry, measures how much air you can breathe in and out. The results will help determine whether you have asthma and how severe the condition is. Your doctor may also recommend allergy testing to pinpoint some of your asthma triggers.

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Managing Asthma: Avoiding Triggers



The first step in controlling asthma is to identify and avoid your triggers. This may mean staying indoors when the smog index is high or getting special bedding to combat dust mites. The most effective way to fight allergens in the home is to remove the source, which may include pets, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Dusting regularly and using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter may also help.

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Managing Asthma: Allergy Shots



If you can't avoid some of the allergens that cause your asthma attacks, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. These shots help desensitize you to particular triggers and may lessen your asthma symptoms. An allergist can help determine which shots are right for you.

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Managing Asthma: Long-Term Medication



It is virtually impossible for people with asthma to avoid all their triggers all the time. For this reason, many people need to take daily medication to prevent asthma attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common medication for the long-term control of asthma. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to irritants in the air.

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Quick Relief for Asthma Attacks



Even with the use of long-term medication, asthma symptoms sometimes flare up. When this happens, you'll need another type of inhaler to provide quick relief. Short-acting beta2-agonists are the most common choice. These rescue inhalers quickly relax the tightened muscles around the airways, restoring the flow of air to the lungs. Most asthma attacks respond to this medication, eliminating the need for a hospital visit.

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Using a Peak Flow Meter



To determine whether your asthma is under control, your doctor will probably recommend using a peak flow meter. You blow into the device, and it measures how well air is moving out of your lungs. Changes in your peak flow score can help warn you that an asthma attack might occur soon.

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Asthma Action Plan



Most people with asthma are able to keep the condition under control. The key is to play an active role in developing a treatment strategy.  Sit down with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan.This plan will identify your triggers, list your daily medications, and outline what to do when you have a flare-up. By following the plan (and adjusting it when needed), you may be able to eliminate most of your asthma symptoms.