Frequently Asked Questions about Asthma

1. How Can I Prevent Asthma Attacks?

There are many things that you can do to prevent worsening of your asthma. Some of the most important are:

• Minimize asthma triggers. People with asthma can take an active role in controlling their asthma by identifying those things that trigger their attacks and taking measures to minimize these triggers at home and at work or school. For example, if cats and dogs trigger your asthma, then not having a cat or dog or minimizing exposure to their dander (skin, saliva and urine) will help to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. If there is a situation where you cannot avoid the trigger, pretreatment with appropriate medications prescribed by your doctor can prevent symptoms.
  
  
• Take your medicine. Many people with chronic asthma take medications (usually an inhaled corticosteroid) that decreases the inflammation of the airways. Studies show that taking these drugs on a daily basis decreases your risk of having asthma attacks. If your doctor puts you on a daily asthma medication, it's important that you take it as prescribed and DON'T MISS A DOSE!

2. What's the Best Way to Find Out What I'm Allergic To?

If you suspect that you may have allergies as a trigger for your asthma, ask your doctor to refer you to a board certified allergist who can perform skin testing or any other procedures needed to properly identify your allergies.

3. My Asthma Worsens Whenever I Take Pain Medication. Why?

One possibility is that you are sensitive to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, naprosyn). This is a serious asthma trigger and you should completely avoid all of these medications. Your doctor should also see you so he can evaluate this problem. Tylenol, or acetominophen, is safe to use for treatment of pain and/or fever.

4. What Are The Side Effects of My Bronchodilator Medicine?

Side effects of bronchodilators are:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Headache

These side effects tend to occur more with oral forms (pills and liquids that you swallow) than with inhaled forms. However, sometimes even with inhaled forms these can occur. They generally go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If they become bothersome and continue to occur, you should contact your doctor.

5. Can Asthma Drugs Affect an Unborn Child?

It is normal for mothers-to-be to feel uneasy taking medications while pregnant. However, if a pregnant woman has asthma, it is especially important that her asthma is well- controlled not only for her own health but also for the health and development of her unborn child. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss your asthma with your doctor so your airways can be stabilized and appropriate medications prescribed. The risks of uncontrolled asthma in pregnancy are greater than the risks of necessary asthma medications.