Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways narrow and swell, making breathing difficult. Symptoms are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Extra mucus fills the airways, making the problem worse. These acute episodes are called asthma attacks.

If you have asthma, it’s important to understand that while the condition cannot be cured or eliminated, it can be controlled. Asthma flareups can be mild or could quickly escalate into a life-threatening emergency. Asthma changes over time so it’s important to see your Old Hook Medical physician regularly and work with your doctor to track symptoms and how your medication is working.

If you don’t have asthma but have risk factors for the disease, it’s time to reduce or eliminate any risk factors that can be changed.  You can start immediately to reduce your asthma risk if you are overweight, are a smoker, or are exposed to occupational triggers such as chemicals used in hairdressing or manufacturing. If you have an allergic condition such as hay fever, controlling your allergies will help control your asthma.

Prevention and control of asthma attacks is the goal of treatment. Learn to recognize your personal triggers and take steps to avoid them. Your doctor will probably prescribe more than one kind of medication to help you.  Most people with asthma use a rescue inhaler (a bronchodilator) to quickly open swollen airways when an attack begins. However, long-term medications can help keep attacks from starting. You may be prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid, a leukotriene modifier, or a long-acting beta agonist that are used regularly to help prevent attacks.

If you notice that your asthma is changing or getting worse, e.g., if are you using your rescue inhaler more frequently, it’s time to review your asthma action plan with your Old Hook Medical physician.