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,
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 or
sore throat
-
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 allergic 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:
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