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Adult Information

Roadmap to Asthma Control
or
How to Navigate your Way from Symptoms to Control

 

Sometimes it can be confusing to know what to do about asthma. Do you even have asthma?  At the request of parents, we have put together a map to help you figure out what you need to know and what you can do on the road to control asthma.  Click on the road sign to link to that section.
Could these symptoms be asthma?
So, you have asthma.  Now what?
 Is your asthma controlling you?
You have control of your asthma!
  Print-friendly version of Roadmap to Asthma Control

 

Could these symptoms be asthma?
You may have asthma (a condition that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways or bronchial tubes in the lungs) if you:
cough in the middle of the night.  A cough can also be due to hay fever,   allergic rhinitis (stuffy, runny nose) or sinus infection,  which often exist with asthma.  Post-nasal drip, (increased mucus that drains from the nose down the back of the throat) may cause coughing, but usually when you are lay down to go to sleep and just after you wake up in the morning. 
cough, shortness of breath or wheeze 3 to 5 minutes after the start of vigorous exercise. Not everyone who has asthma has obvious wheezing; some people only notice a cough.
regular cough (especially in the middle of the night) or several weeks after you have a cold (a cold that “just won’t go away”)
cough, shortness of breath or wheezing within 12 hours of being exposed to asthma irritants such as animal dander, smoke, moulds, dust, etc. that are often referred to as “triggers” and cause asthma symptoms.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, see your family doctor or pediatrician to confirm your diagnosis.
Asthma Diagnosis Checklist - Print this checklist and take it to your doctor.  View and Download here

 

 

So, you have asthma.  Now what?
Things to expect when you go to your doctor:
A discussion about your home, school and work environments, how certain triggers affect asthma and what you can do about  it.
A breathing test (Pulmonary Function Test) should be ordered for anyone 6 years of age and older if asthma is suspected.  A Pulmonary Function Test is a series of measurements done on your breathing that measure how well your lungs are working at a given point in time. This test is used to diagnose and monitor asthma.
A sample of asthma medication to try for at least two weeks to treat your symptoms:
 
  • an inhaled corticosteroid should be the first type of medication you try to relieve symptoms. 
  • asthma medication device technique should be demonstrated to you, and your technique should be checked by a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist, asthma educator, etc.) to make sure you are taking the medication properly.
  • If you only have symptoms when you exercise, a reliever medication to be used 5-10 minutes before exercise may be prescribed. 
A personal Asthma Action Plan, which includes instructions about when to use your medications, how much to use and when to increase or decrease your medications depending on your symptoms.  This plan may change over time, so regular visits to the doctor are important to update your plan.  
An allergy evaluation may be recommended if the doctor suspects any connections between allergy and asthma.  The most common allergy test is a skin prick test.  This is an allergy test where the outer surface of the skin on the arms or back is scratched very lightly, a drop of allergen solution is applied to the scratch and then the area is observed for a reaction (swelling, redness). This test does not hurt, but this may cause you to itch for a few minutes.  An allergy test is very useful for determining what you are allergic to.   Allergies and asthma are closely related and knowing your allergy history will help you understand what triggers both your allergies and your asthma — and helps you learn how to avoid or decrease your exposure to your triggers and prevent your symptoms from getting worse. 
For more information on allergies and asthma,  Allergies/Asthma Information Association

 

Is your asthma controlling you?
Everyone is unique.  It may take some time and a few visits to your doctor before you get your symptoms under control and notice an improvement in your asthma.  If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you think your medication is not working, here are some questions to ask yourself and your doctor.
Your asthma medication device is not working for you?  Check the following:
 
  • Technique: Are you using your device properly? Ask a healthcare professional to check your technique. 
  • Correct device:  Are you using the correct type of device?  Check with your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist.
  • Empty device:  Learn how to tell if your device is full or empty, so you can be sure you are getting your medication.
  •  Broken device:   Ask your pharmacist, doctor or asthma educator to check the device.
Are you taking your medication, or are you avoiding it because you are concerned about side effects?
 
  • Inhaled corticosteroids has been used for many years to treat asthma and are very safe.  Discuss your concerns with your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist.
Are you taking your medication consistently?
 
  • Inhaled corticosteroids must be taken daily for at least two weeks before you should start to see improvement.  Remember to take your medications as prescribed.
Are you taking the correct dose of medication? 
 
  • If you have been using inhaled corticosteroids every day for at least two weeks and there is no improvement, ask your doctor if you are using the correct dose. You may need a higher dose to control your symptoms.
Do you know when you should take your medications?
 
  • Inhaled corticosteroids are usually taken twice a day — morning and night — every day for at least two weeks. Sometimes inhaled corticosteroids must be taken for longer, depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
  • Oral Steroids are sometimes prescribed when asthma is not controlled by your regular dose of inhaled steroids.  Oral steroids are usually only taken for a five day period to get asthma under control quickly.
  • Remember, “reliever” medication only provides temporary relief of asthma symptoms by relaxing tight muscles around the airways.  “Controller” medication stops the swelling in the airways which is the main problem associated with asthma.
  • Reliever medications are appropriately taken five minutes before exercise, if needed.  Reliever medications are also taken to relieve the occasional “attacks” of shortness of breath.  If, however, you are needing to take your reliever more than three or four times a week (not including the times you take it before exercise), you may need to start or increase your controller medication.  Talk to your doctor.
Have you checked your expiry date of your medications?
 
  • Every medication device has an expiry date stamped on it.  To ensure you are getting the full effect of your medication, use it before the expiry date.

You have control of your asthma! 
Keep up the Good Work!
 
You can keep your asthma under complete control! Asthma is a life-long condition for most people, but the  symptoms often come and go.  The goal is to have the best control of your symptoms while using the least amount of medication.   To get and keep your asthma under control:
Follow your Asthma Action Plan:  This personalized plan helps you know what you need to do regularly, how to react to changes in your asthma from illnesses, colds and allergies, and when you need to see your doctor.  
Anticipate change.  Be aware of your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid making your symptoms worse.  You may need to take preventative action:
 
  • during certain seasons when your symptoms are generally worse 
  • when you think you will be exposed to a known trigger
  • when you are travelling and unsure of what triggers you may encounter.
We recommend you visit your doctor 3-4 times per year, depending on your symptoms and the amount of medication you are using.  Ensure your asthma stays in control and that you are using the correct medication.  You may also be referred to an asthma educator for follow-up education.
Know the dangers of uncontrolled asthma.  If your asthma symptoms continue without treatment, you may not feel well and may not be able to exercise, run or play. You may miss a lot of school or work — and this can be frustrating and stressful.
Avoid your asthma triggers.  You may be able to decrease your symptoms by avoiding your asthma triggers, and this will likely mean you will need fewer medications to control your asthma.
Use your medications when you need them.  You can control your asthma when you use your medications correctly.  You should be able to do all the things you want to do in your life, even with asthma.

Control Your Asthma Now!

Page Last Updated July 2009

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