Living with Asthma
For 19.2 million adults in the US, asthma is a chronic condition that will require management for the entirety of their lives. With the proper care and strong partnerships with their providers, many patients are able to lead happy healthy lives with controlled symptoms. However, Asthma is not a condition to be taken lightly, symptoms left untreated can be deadly.
The first thing to do when diagnosed with asthma is to be completely honest with your provider. Do not underplay symptoms and be detailed when answering lifestyle questions. Your provider cannot partner with you to create a realistic treatment plan without all the information. Once you and your provider have all the information, together, you can create an asthma management plan. You may be asked to track your symptoms, this allows you, together with your provider, to assess and define medications that work and identify triggers in your life. Try to keep a diary to identify any possible triggers of your asthma, such as pets, smoke, and allergies. Your provider will be able to establish an individualized treatment plan. Make sure you are going to all your appointments, as the first or even second medication may not be the right fit for you. Your provider understands that you are an individual and many asthma medications are not one size fits all. Once you and your provider have your symptoms under control you may be able to work to avoid and lessen your triggers over long periods of time.
You will be able to establish protocols that allow you to know when you are doing well, your asthma is getting worse, when you need to see your provider, and when to call 911. 10 Americans die directly from asthma each day and about 3,500 die each year. A lack of management of asthma symptoms may also lead to pneumonia, fatigue, high blood pressure, weight gain, lasting lung weakness, anxiety, depression, collapse of the lungs, and respiratory failure.
Asthma is a lifelong chronic illness; however, your provider is here to continue to work with you as things change. Make an appointment to establish care today and start building a partnership that will allow you to have someone in your corner as you live, learn, change, and grow.
Bogachiel Medical Clinic 360-374-6998
Forks Family Medical Clinic 360-374-3280
Clallam Bay Medical Clinic 360-963-2202
Respiratory Therapy at Forks Community Hospital 360-374-6271
DON’T DELAY. GET CARE. WE’RE HERE.
