Asthma

How did I get asthma?

Many things can cause asthma, from your environment to your genetics. It’s important to try to figure out what’s causing your asthma so you can avoid any triggers. You could use a journal to write down the symptoms you’re having and when they’re happening. Show it to your doctor, who will try to provide an explanation.

What can I do to ease my symptoms?

If your asthma has a particular trigger, your doctor can give you suggestions for avoiding it. Let your doctor know if you’ve been exposed to anything new lately, like a new place or a new animal. Even strong emotions can be a trigger. This information can help your doctor find you a solution.

Which medicines can help my asthma?

Numerous medications can treat asthma. They come various forms, including injections, inhalers, tablets, and more. The right one for you depends on things like how old you are, how severe your asthma is, and what types of symptoms you have. Your doctor can prescribe the best one for you.

My asthma wakes me up at night. How can I get better sleep?

If your asthma is keeping you awake at night, let your doctor know. There are things that can help. In the meantime, make sure your inhaler is next to your bed in case you need it.

How can my diet affect my asthma?

The choices you make at the table may impact how your asthma affects your life. Chat with your doctor to see what’s helped you so far and what other changes could help ease your symptoms.

Why isn’t my current treatment plan working for me?

If your treatment plan isn’t working, it’s time to talk with your doctor. You may need a different treatment, or you may not be taking your medication correctly. Also, your asthma can change over the course of your life, so what worked for you before might not work now.

I’m having trouble paying for my medication. What can I do?

If you have insurance, call your provider and ask about your options. If you don’t have insurance, your doctor might be able to direct you to services that can help. Also, ask your doctor if there’s a less expensive option that might work for you.

I'm really struggling with the side effects of my asthma treatment. Is there anything I can do?

Some common side effects of asthma medication include losing your voice, a sore mouth or throat, and fungal infections. If you have any of these, let your doctor know. They might be able to change your medication or your dose to help you feel better.

My friends have told me about some alternative treatments for my asthma. Should I try them?

Your friends’ asthma might need to be treated differently than yours does. So before you try any asthma treatment, always run it by your doctor to be sure it’s safe for you.

Are clinical trials an option for me?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests how well a medicine, surgery, or behavior can treat a condition. Your doctor might know about a treatment that’s still being tested, and you may be able to try it.