Your asthma can be controlled: expect nothing less.Your Asthma asthma (ăz`mə, ăs`–), chronic inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. A cough producing sticky mucus is symptomatic. Can Be Controlled: Expect Nothing Less "Almost all asthma patients can become free of symptoms with proper treatment. Patients and their families should expect nothing less." This is a common and true statement made by many who treat asthma patients. This booklet
[] What to expect from asthma treatment [] How you and your doctor can control your asthma [] How to work with your doctor. What To Expect From Your Asthma Treatment--The Goals * No symptoms or minor symptoms of asthma symptoms include wheezing Wheezing Definition Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing. Description Wheezing occurs when a child or adult tries to breathe deeply through air passages that are narrowed or filled with mucus as a , coughing Coughing Coughing helps break up secretions in the lungs so that the mucus can be suctioned out or expectorated. Patients sit upright and inhale deeply through the nose. They then exhale in short puffs or coughs. Coughing is repeated several times per day. , shortness of breath Shortness of Breath Definition Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a feeling of difficult or labored breathing that is out of proportion to the patient's level of physical activity. , and chest tightness) * Sleeping through the night without asthma symptoms * No time off from school or work due to asthma * Full participation in physical activities * No emergency room visits or stays in the hospital * Little or no side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. from asthma medicine. Do not accept having symptoms as normal. Are You Meeting the Asthma Treatment Goals? Go back to page 2 now and put a checkmark next to each goal that you are meeting. Tell your doctor which goals you are meeting and which you are not. Do this at every visit. All these goals can be met with long-term Long-term Three or more years. In the context of accounting, more than 1 year. long-term 1. Of or relating to a gain or loss in the value of a security that has been held over a specific length of time. Compare short-term. treatment. You need to work with your doctor to achieve every goal. If you are not meeting a goal, your treatment may simply need to be changed. Your doctor may ask for help from a specialist to achieve your goals. Ask about this. How Your Asthma Can Be Controlled Asthma is a chronic disease. It can be controlled with proper, long-term treatment. But it cannot be cured. People with asthma have-- * Airways airways Anatomy The 'pipes'–trachea, bronchi, bronchioles–through which air passes to and from the alveoli. See Small airways. that react to certain things called triggers--things like smoke or dust * Airways that sometimes become narrow and blocked. This causes wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing * Airways that become inflamed and swollen. Each of these features of asthma can be prevented or treated by: * Staying away from your triggers or controlling them * Taking medicine that opens your airways * Getting treatment for the inflammation inflammation, reaction of the body to injury or to infectious, allergic, or chemical irritation. The symptoms are redness, swelling, heat, and pain resulting from dilation of the blood vessels in the affected part with loss of plasma and leucocytes (white blood . Treating inflammation is very important in the control of moderate to severe asthma. This may mean the daily use of such medicines as cromolyn sodium cro·mo·lyn sodium n. A drug usually administered by inhalation and used to prevent certain allergic attacks, especially those associated with asthma or hay fever. or inhaled in·hale v. in·haled, in·hal·ing, in·hales v.tr. 1. To draw (air or smoke, for example) into the lungs by breathing; inspire. 2. steroids steroids, class of lipids having a particular molecular ring structure called the cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene ring system. Steroids differ from one another in the structure of various side chains and additional rings. . Both of these medicines are safe to take. Treating inflammation is the advice given in the 1991 National Asthma Education Program's Guidelines guidelines, n.pl a set of standards, criteria, or specifications to be used or followed in the performance of certain tasks. for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Three Actions To Help You Gain Control of Your Asthma * Learn what things start or prompt your asthma symptoms. Then avoid or control them. * Respond quickly to warning signs of an asthma episode. * Make two treatment plans with your doctor: one for daily treatment and one for emergencies. What follows will help you talk about each of the above issues with your doctor. Learn What Things Start Your Asthma Symptoms and Control Them Most asthma symptoms start when your airways are bothered by something. These things "These Things" is an EP by She Wants Revenge, released in 2005 by Perfect Kiss, a subsidiary of Geffen Records. Music Video The music video stars Shirley Manson, lead singer of the band Garbage. Track Listing 1. "These Things [Radio Edit]" - 3:17 2. are called triggers. Your symptoms will be reduced when you stay away from or control your triggers. Your asthma will be more controlled! Check the things that trigger your asthma symptoms: [] Dogs, cats, or other animals [] Colds or flu [] Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds 1. weeds - Refers to development projects or algorithms that have no possible relevance or practical application. Comes from "off in the weeds". Used in phrases like "lexical analysis for microcode is serious weeds." 2. [] Dust or mold mold, name for certain multicellular organisms of the various classes of the kingdom Fungi, characteristically having bodies composed of a cottony mycelium. The colors of molds are caused by the spores, which are borne on the mycelium. [] Strong odors Odors anosmia Medicine. the absence of the sense of smell; olfactory anesthesia. Also called anosphrasia. — anosmic, adj. halitosis bad breath; an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. from perfumes Famous perfumes classified by year of creation Year Name Company Perfumer 1709 Eau de Cologne Johann Maria Farina Johann Maria Farina (1685-1766) 1798 Eau Vivifiante Parfum Lubin Pierre François Lubin 1872 Hammam Bouquet , paints, sprays, or other items [] Smoke from cigarettes or from burning wood, paper, or other items [] Weather changes or very cold air [] Air pollution [] Crying, laughing, or yelling yell v. yelled, yell·ing, yells v.intr. To cry out loudly, as in pain, fright, surprise, or enthusiasm. v.tr. To utter or express with a loud cry. See Synonyms at shout. n. [] Exercising, what type of exercise? [] Aspirin or other medicine [] Other Peak flow meters peak flow meter n. A portable instrument that detects minute decreases in air flow and that is used by people with asthma to monitor small changes in breathing capacity. can help you find out what your triggers are. Peak flow meters measure how well you are breathing. The peak flow meter is simple and small. It can be used at home or at work. Talk to your doctor about this. Tell your doctor what your triggers are. * Ask your doctor how to control your triggers. * Make a plan with your doctor to take your medicines when you cannot avoid a trigger. Write your plan of action for staying away from or controlling your asthma triggers: Respond Quickly to Your Warning Signs of an Asthma Episode Most asthma episodes or attacks start slowly. Most people can tell when an asthma episode is coming. "I learned that when my chest started getting tight, my asthma was going to act up. Now I take my asthma medicine when my chest starts to feel tight. I have prevented many asthma episodes this way. Once I learned this, I felt more in control." Deborah Deborah (dĕb`ōrə), in the Bible, prophetess and judge of Israel, the only woman to hold that office. Under her guidance Barak conquered Sisera and delivered Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite King Jabin. , asthma patient You can often stop an asthma episode when you catch it early and take your medicine. If you fail to do this, your symptoms may get worse. Learn what your warning signs are. Make a plan with your doctor or nurse about what to do when you notice your warning signs. Check the warning signs that you have before an asthma episode. [] Drop in peak flow rate [] Coughing [] Shortness of breath [] Tightness in your chest [] Wheezing [] Faster breathing [] Itchy itch·y adj. Having or causing an itching sensation. or sore throat Sore Throat Definition Sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx. It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with colds or influenza. [] Other Talk with your doctor about your warning signs. * Tell your doctor your warning signs. * Plan what you should do when your warning signs occur. Follow the plan you and your doctor make. This often means taking your medicine and resting. By knowing what to do when you notice early warning signs, you will feel more in control. * Ask about other times when you should take your medicine. This may be the first sign of a cold or flu. It may be before you exercise. Or it may be before you come into contact with something you're you're Contraction of you are. you're you are you're be allergic al·ler·gic adj. 1. Of, caused, or characterized by an allergy. 2. Having an allergy or exhibiting an allergic reaction to a substance. allergic pertaining to or caused by allergy. to. Ask your doctor about using a peak flow meter. * A peak flow meter can tell you when an asthma episode is coming--even before you feel symptoms. Taking medicine before you feel symptoms can stop the episode. People over age 4 with moderate or severe asthma should use a peak flow meter at least daily. Write down what your doctor wants you to do when you feel a warning sign: Make Your Treatment Plan With Your Doctor and Follow It Talk with your doctor about your different asthma medicines. Some medicines need to be taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms (inhaled steroids and cromolyn sodium). Other medicine can relieve re·lieve v. 1. To cause a lessening or alleviation of something, such as pain, tension, or a symptom. 2. To free an individual from pain, anxiety, or distress. your symptoms once your symptoms begin (medicine that opens your airways). Complete the "My Asthma Medicine" forms with your doctor (see pages 12-15). Be sure to tell your doctor if you do not want to take a medicine. Also, call your doctor if you have any problems taking a medicine. Your doctor can often find something else for your asthma. Ask your doctor to show you how to use an inhaler inhaler /in·hal·er/ (in-hal´er) 1. an apparatus for administering vapor or volatilized medications by inhalation. 2. ventilator (2). in·hal·er n. . Then, at each visit, show your doctor how you use your inhaler. Ask if you are using it the correct way. If you have trouble using an inhaler, ask about a spacer or holding chamber. Remind yourself to take your medicines. Here are some ways to do this. * Take your medicine at the same time as one of your daily routines. Take it at meals, when you brush your teeth, or some other time you choose. * Put a sign on the bathroom mirror or the refrigerator to remind yourself. * Ask your family members to remind you. * Always carry your inhaler that contains the medicine to open your airways. Always have it within reach. My Asthma Medicines Ask your doctor the questions below. Write down what your doctor says for each medicine prescribed pre·scribe v. pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing, pre·scribes v.tr. 1. To set down as a rule or guide; enjoin. See Synonyms at dictate. 2. To order the use of (a medicine or other treatment). to you. [] Name of medicine [] When and how much you should take [] How long to take it [] What does the medicine do and when will you feel it working [] What to do if you forget to take it [] Side effects and what to do about them [] When to call the doctor My Asthma Medicines Ask your doctor and write below information on each drug prescribed to you. [] Name of medicine [] When and how much you should take [] How long to take it [] What does the medicine do and when will you feel it working [] What to do if you forget to take it [] Side effects and what to do about them [] When to call the doctor My Asthma Medicines Ask your doctor and write below information on each drug prescribed to you. [] Name of medicine [] When and how much you should take [] How long to take it [] What does the medicine do and when will you feel it working [] What to do if you forget to take it [] Side effects and what to do about them [] When to call the doctor My Asthma Medicines Ask your doctor and write below information on each drug prescribed to you. [] Name of medicine [] When and how much you should take [] How long to take it [] What does the medicine do and when will you feel it working [] What to do if you forget to take it [] Side effects and what to do about them [] When to call the doctor Summing Up: Write a Plan for Controlling Your Asthma Prepare a plan to manage your asthma with your doctor. Include how you will avoid triggers, respond to early warning signs of an episode, and take your medicine. Work with your doctor to make the use of a peak flow meter part of your routine. Lastly, learn the best way to reach your doctor for routine questions and urgent care. Write your plan for an asthma emergency. Ask your doctor what you should do in an emergency. Write the answers below. [] What are the signs that tell you to seek care quickly? [] What should you do if your medicines do not seem to be working? [] Where should you go to get care quickly? [] Should you call your doctor first or go to the emergency room? [] What do you do if you have an asthma emergency very late at night? [] When you call, what information will your doctor want (your symptoms, what medicines you have taken, when you took them, and your peak flow rate)? How To Work With Your Doctor To Get the Best Care Ask questions. Write down all your questions before each visit. Review this booklet to help you decide what to ask your doctor. Take this list with you when you see your doctor. Then ask your questions. Give information. Tell your doctor what your symptoms have been since your last visit. Be honest. Provide peak flow meter readings, if you have them. Talk about how and when you take your medicines. Talk about problems or concerns you have about your medicines. Use the checklist of treatment goals given in the first part of this booklet. Talk with your doctor about the goals being met and those not being met. State what you expect at each visit. Tell your doctor what you want from the visit. You may simply want some questions answered. Or you might want a change in your medicine. Follow directions. Write down what you are supposed to do. Repeat back what you think your doctor wants you to do. This helps you to be sure that you know what you are supposed to do. Take your medicine as your doctor tells you. Tell your doctor when you have trouble doing what he or she asks. Keep your appointments. Have a way to remind yourself to keep your appointments. Put a note on the refrigerator, your dresser, or some other place. If you cannot keep your appointment, call and change it. With time, you and your doctor will find the care that works best for you. You'll you'll Contraction of you will. you'll you will or you shall you'll will be in control of your asthma! Below, write your questions for your next doctor's visit. Helpful Phone Numbers For You Your doctor's office phone number: Your doctor's after-hours phone number: Emergency phone number: Other Helpful Phone Numbers For You These groups provide information and materials
American Academy of Allergy 1-800-822-2762
and Immunology
American College of Allergy 1-800-842-7777
and Immunology
American Lung Association Call your local Lung
Association
Asthma and Allergy Foundation 1-800-727-8462
National Allergy and Asthma Network/ 1-800-878-4403
Mothers of Asthmatics
National Jewish Center
for Immunology
and Respiratory Medicine
Information Service (Lung Line)
For further information, contact
National Asthma Education Program 1-300-951-3260
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