ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN

When it comes to Lung Disease, Asthma is the most well-known as a chronic condition. Asthma can be a reason for patients to panic as it causes inflammation that reduces or sometimes prevents breathing. It is understandable why this condition leads to a severely restricted lifestyle. Part of living with Asthma is learning to keep it under control. Patients need to have a well thought out plan in place in the event of an asthma attack.

Experienced professionals at the Institute of Lung & Sleep Disorders have a clear understanding of how an acute Asthma attack can affect your life. We also understand that you need to have a clearly defined management plan to manage Asthma. Asthma does not have a permanent cure, however with a management plan in place you may live a healthier life.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a lung condition that affects the patient’s ability to breathe. The bronchial tubes in lungs are passages that connect your lungs to the throat. Air is pulled from the throat directly from the mouth. The breathing passages may get triggered by exercise exertion or an irritant and swell. They produce thick mucus as a result and reduce a person’s ability to breathe in air. The feelings lead to the patient believing that they are not able to fill their lungs with air, causing panic.

Wheezing and coughing can also be an Asthma symptom. Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest as well as coughing during flu can also be an indication of Asthma.

Asthma attacks can also be triggered by exertion through exercise. Allergic reactions are another possible trigger for Asthma attack, or may produce other asthma symptoms.

Asthma Prevalence

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: There are nearly 25 million people with Asthma in the US alone. A person is more likely to develop Asthma symptoms if one of your parents or grandparents had asthma. If you are African American you may be five times as likely to develop Asthma. Asthma is more common in Women than Men.

Developing an Asthma Management Plan

Your Asthma Management Plan should be a written plan that you need to develop with your doctor that will have instructions on how to control your Asthma in case of an attack.

Your Asthma Management Plan should include the following:

• Which medicines you take on a regular basis to prevent Asthma symptoms and reduce your risk of an asthma attack.
• What should be done if your asthma symptoms get worse.
• The emergency action to take if you’re having an asthma attack and when to call 911.

How to get the most out of your Asthma Management Plan

1. Keep it visible: Stick it on your fridge, keep it along with your medicines, or save a digital copy on your phone so its always easy to find when you need it.

2. Share it with people close to. You: You should share your Asthma Management Plan with friends, family, co-workers and fitness trainers, so they know what to do incase you have an asthma attack.

3. Check it regularly: Program a reminder on your phone to check that you’re taking your medicines everyday, and you know what to do in case your symptoms get worse.

If you are experiencing coughing and wheezing that gets worse with allergies, or the changing of weather, we may be able to help you feel better and educate you on how to manage your symptoms. Call us today at +1 (903) 347-0001 or visit www.ilungsleep.com to make an appointment.