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If you've had asthma for some time, you might not expect much from your medications. You may even accept living with a certain level of wheezing and shortness of breath. On the other hand, if you were recently diagnosed with asthma, you probably wish it would just go away.
Goals of asthma treatment
Many experts agree that with today's medications, living an active, healthy life with minimal symptoms really is a realistic goal. In fact, it's what you should aim for. With proper treatment, you can expect to: Take part fully in everyday activities such as work and school, along with exercise and other physical activities. Minimize such asthma symptoms as coughing, wheezing, tightness in chest, and shortness of breath. Sleep through the night without waking up because of asthma symptoms. Reduce the number of emergency room trips and unscheduled office visits (and the trauma associated with both). Maintain normal or near-normal lung function, and help prevent permanent damage. Experience few to no side effects from medicines.
How to prevent long-term problems
We know that if asthma is left untreated, airway inflammation may lead to a long-term reduction in lung function and even permanent damage.
There's also evidence that if improperly treated, asthma may get worse over time.
That's why it's crucial for you to stay one step ahead of your condition by following the asthma treatment plan you and your healthcare professional have discussed.
That may mean using a daily preventative medicine, like an inhaled anti-inflammatory medication. This kind of protection may help minimize symptoms and damage to your airways.
How you can get the most from your medications
To really benefit from your asthma medications, open communication with your healthcare professionals is essential. Talk to them about using your medications correctly, and ask if your treatments need to be adjusted.
Set up an Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare professional. An important part of managing asthma is flexibility. If there are any changes in the severity of your asthma, your healthcare professional will also probably make changes in your medications or how often you use them. |
