Asthma in check?

Asthma is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe sometimes. When you have asthma: Your airways get swollen and irritated The muscles around your airways can tighten up Your airways may make extra mucus This makes your airways narrower, so it's harder for air to move in and out of your lungs. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. We don't know exactly what causes asthma, but a few things can make it more likely: It can run in families Allergies to things like pollen, dust, or pet fur Breathing in cigarette smoke or air pollution Having lung infections as a child The good news is that asthma can be treated and controlled. Treatment usually includes: Avoiding things that trigger your asthma symptoms Taking medicines that help open up your airways and reduce swelling Having an asthma action plan to follow Finding the right treatment for a person with asthma requires checking how you're doing and adjusting your medicines over time.

The Asthma Control Test is a quick and easy way to see how well your asthma is being managed. It's a set of five questions that you answer about your asthma symptoms over the last 4 weeks. The questions ask about: How often has your asthma stopped you from doing your usual activities? How often have you felt short of breath? How often your asthma symptoms woke you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning? How often have you used your rescue inhaler (the one you use for quick relief)? How well do you think your asthma has been controlled overall? For each question, you pick the answer that best matches your experience. Your answers get scored, and the total score tells you and your doctor how well your asthma is controlled. A high score (20 or more out of 25) means your asthma is likely well-controlled. A lower score might mean your asthma isn't as well-controlled as it could be. Taking this test regularly can help you and your doctor: See how your asthma control changes over time Decide if your treatment plan needs to be adjusted Spot any problems before they get worse

Know and avoid your triggers. Common asthma triggers include allergens like pollen and pet dander, irritants like smoke and strong odors, and respiratory infections. Take your medications as prescribed. Use your controller medications daily, even when you feel well, and keep your quick-relief inhaler with you at all times. Make sure you're using your inhalers correctly for maximum benefit. Following your medication plan is crucial for managing asthma. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can strengthen your lungs and improve overall health. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a nutritious diet, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and find healthy ways to manage stress. These habits support your overall health and can help reduce asthma symptoms. Monitor your symptoms. Pay attention to signs like increased coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Early recognition of worsening symptoms allows for prompt treatment. Get vaccinated. Stay up-to-date on flu and pneumonia vaccines, as respiratory infections can trigger asthma symptoms. Create an asthma action plan with your doctor. This plan outlines what to do daily to control asthma and how to handle worsening symptoms or attacks. Having a clear plan helps you stay prepared.