Do You Have an Asthma Checklist?

DID YOU KNOW ?

-More than 17 million Americans have asthma.

-More than 60% of people with the diagnosis of asthma also have sinus problems.

-Asthma affects more than 5 million children under 18 in the U.S.

-Asthma has increased by 75% from 1980 to 1994.

-Asthma death rates have decreased over the last 5 years

-Updated NIH (National Institute of Health) guidelines for managing asthma are being finalized.

-More emphasis is being placed on measuring asthma control by utilizing validated questionnaires (for example the Asthma Control Test), reviewing periodic pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and achieving minimal need for reliever inhaler (such as Albuterol).

The goals of asthma management are:

No chest symptoms (cough, wheezing. shortness of breath and chest tightness)

No night time awakenings because of chest symptoms

No limitations at work, home or school, normal lung function

Minimal need for reliever inhaler

No asthma attacks

No side effects from asthma medication

Meet the needs of the patient or parent regarding asthma concerns.

Are you taking a controller medication?

Controllers are prescribed for people that have asthma symptoms more than twice weekly, or night time awakenings because of asthma more than twice a month.

How many times a week do you miss taking a dose?

Is your inhaler technique up to par?

How do you know if you have flaws in your inhaler technique?

80% of patients on inhalers that I see for the first time have flaws in their inhaler technique.

Don’t you think an asthma checklist would be helpful?

Here is one for you:

1) I know what my reliever medication is, when to use it and when I am using it too much.

2) My inhaler technique has been reviewed by a doctor or nurse within the last 6 months. I know about spacers.

3) I know about controller medication and why it is needed and that I must take it every day until instructed to stop.

4) Possible side-effects of my medications have been discussed.

5) Environmental trigger factors have been identified and I know how to reduce my exposure to some of them (especially indoor triggers)

6) I understand how often I need to follow up with my doctor and the importance of visits even when I am doing well (to prevent problems)

7) I have a written plan of action to assist in getting my asthma back in control when it flares up. I have a Peak Flow Meter.

8) I am aware of the signals that should tell me to seek emergency care or urgent care when the asthma is worsening.

9) I am up to date on my screening test- Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) which is usually done at least once a year.

10) I have discussed my concerns and my personal goals with my physician regarding asthma care.

Realize that successful asthma management requires a partnership between you and your physician. Medications over time may be reduced or eliminated if goals are being met. Your doctor will guide you through medication adjustments. There will likely be periods where medications need to be increased, but hopefully this will be followed by a step down of medications after achieving better control.

There is no cure for asthma. Most people will require some medications, life long, or for many years. The good news is that asthma may be controlled, allowing for normal growth and development and normal activity levels. The risk of side effects from years of taking controller medications for asthma is far outweighed by the risk of poor asthma control. Poor control has been associated with less productivity, poor self-esteem and abnormal growth patterns.

Don’t let asthma or fears of asthma treatment control your life. Take control of your asthma (or your child’s asthma) by learning more about this highly treatable disease which when under treated, may be life threatening.

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