Two weeks ago we looked at the different types of asthma and
their symptoms. This week, in the second and last column on asthma,
we’ll examine effective approaches to medication and treatment.
Two weeks ago we looked at the different types of asthma and their symptoms. This week, in the second and last column on asthma, we’ll examine effective approaches to medication and treatment.
Treatment and management of asthma
Your physician can customize an asthma action plan for management of your asthma. This plan is based on your asthma symptoms and your “peak flow” meter measurements. When you have no asthma symptoms, you should measure your peak flow in the morning when getting up and before bedtime. It is recommended to repeat each measurement three times and write down the highest number. For example, if the first attempt is 450, the second attempt is 495 and the final attempt is 515, then record the 515 in your logbook.
By looking at all the measurements, your allergist determines your best peak flow measurements. When you have an asthma flare, your peak flow numbers drop below your usual peak flow numbers. At this time, you should look at your asthma action plan to see whether you should increase your medication or take a different one.
To treat and manage asthma, the best strategy is to find out the underlying cause of the flare. For example, if you have aspirin sensitivity, you should avoid aspirin and the aspirin family of medications – also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – such as ibuprofen. If the cause of your flare is exercise, you should use your inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
If the cause is occupational exposure due to unknown chemicals or allergens, you should get help from occupational health experts to identify the triggers and make necessary adjustments in your work environment. Otherwise, the best thing is to change the job.
If the flare is due to underlying allergies to indoor or outdoor allergens, you should consider allergy vaccinations for those specific allergens. For example, if you are allergic to Juniper tree pollen and it causes your asthma to flare, then you can get allergy vaccination for Juniper tree allergen. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find the cause of adult onset asthma; you need to use medications to control the condition.
Medications
There are two classes of medications used in asthma: controller and rescuer. Controller medications are anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroid inhalers. Rescuers are bronchodiltors such as Albuterol. The latter causes dilation of airways and, as a result, air can easily pass through the airways. Asthmatics need to be on controller medications regularly and during the asthma flare. Use rescuer medication in as needed basis.
Remember, if you are using your rescuer medication frequently, your asthma is not under control. So, you need to follow your asthma action plan and call your allergist if needed.
In sum: tips on how to avoid asthma
On polluted days, stay indoors.
Avoid triggers of your asthma. If your asthma triggers are cats, dust mites or pollens, minimize your exposure if you cannot avoid them.
Use your bronchodilator 15 to 30 minutes before engaging in physical activity.
If you have aspirin-induced asthma, avoid aspirin and the family of the aspirin-based medications.
If you are suffering from an occupational asthma, you need to move to different work area to avoid the asthma triggers or change your job.
Take your asthma medications regularly as your allergist instructs. Skipping medications can aggravate your asthma.
Follow your asthma action plan, as it will guide you to the management of your asthma.
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