When to Seek Medical Care

If you suspect that you or your child may have asthma, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Common signs pointing to asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Recurrent, spasmodic cough that worsens at night

If you or your child has asthma, it's important to have an action plan prepared in advance with your healthcare provider. This plan should include instructions for managing an asthma attack, when to contact your healthcare provider, and when to visit a hospital emergency department.

1. Take 2 puffs of an inhaled beta-agonist (a rescue medication), with a 1-minute gap between puffs. If there's no relief, take an additional puff of inhaled beta-agonist every 5 minutes. If there's no response after 8 puffs (40 minutes), contact your healthcare provider.
2. Contact your provider if you experience an asthma attack while already taking oral or inhaled steroids, or if your inhaler treatments don't last 4 hours.
3. These are general guidelines. Follow any alternative plan recommended by your provider.

Although asthma is a reversible condition with available treatments, severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening.

If you're having a severe asthma attack and can't reach your healthcare provider quickly, head to the nearest hospital emergency department. However, do not drive yourself; have a friend or family member drive you.

Note: Current treatment plans aim to minimize discomfort and restrictions in your daily activities. By closely following your treatment plan, you can reduce visits to your healthcare provider or the emergency department.

Identify your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them.

1. If you smoke, quit.
2. Avoid cough medicine, as it doesn't help asthma and may lead to unwanted side effects.
3. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can worsen asthma in certain individuals and should only be used under your healthcare provider's guidance.
4. Avoid nonprescription inhalers as they may have short-acting drugs that don't last long enough to relieve an asthma attack and may cause unwanted side effects.
5. Only take medications prescribed by your healthcare provider for your asthma and use them as directed.
6. Consult your healthcare provider before using any nonprescription preparations, herbs, or dietary supplements, even if they are considered "natural," as some may have unwanted side effects or interact with your medications.
7. Don't exceed the prescribed dosage of medication. Overusing asthma medications can be dangerous.
8. Be prepared to follow the next steps of your action plan if necessary.

If you believe your medication isn't effective, promptly inform your healthcare provider.