Your Initial Visit to the Doctor May Include:

Spirometry - This is the most common test used to determine causes of asthma because it measures how quickly a person can move air in and out of the lungs.  It also determines how much air a person is able to move in one breath.  It tests whether or not airflow may be blocked because of swelling or irritation.  

Chest X-Ray - This is done to ensure that another problem is not causing your troubled breathing.

Blood Tests or Skin Tests - These tests are done to discover any allergies that may be causing the symptoms.

Your Treatment Plan May Involve:

Controller Meds (Anti-inflammatory drugs).
These are the drugs that work to prevent asthma attacks from happening.  These drugs reduce swelling and clear mucus from your airways.  They are less likely to react to triggers when kept open and clear. 

• Benadryl/Allegra (allergy medications which clear your nasal passages and slow mucus production)
• Corticosteroids (steroid medications) 
• Mast cell stabilizers (anti-inflammatory drugs) 
• Long acting beta-agonists (bronchodilators often used along with an anti-inflammatory drug)
• Theophylline (a bronchodilator used along with anti-inflammatory to prevent nighttime symptoms) 
• Leukotriene modifiers

Rescue or Receiver Meds (Bronchodilators).
These are the medications used to relieve the symptoms caused by an asthma episode.  They relax the muscles around your airways (which tighten during an attack and squeeze the airway shut) which is a fast way of getting more air in and out of the lungs. 

• Short acting beta-agonists (bronchodilators that are the drug of choice to relieve asthma attack and prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms)
• Anticholinergics (bronchodilators used in addition to short-acting beta agonists when needed or as an alternative to these drugs when needed)
• Systemic corticosteroids (an anti-inflammatory drug used in an emergency to get rapid control of the disease while initiating other treatments and to speed recovery)

Asthma medications can be inhaled or taken orally depending on the type of medication.  They are inhaled with the use of metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, or nebulizers.   Other medications are prescribed most often in pill form, though it’s possible for some to come as liquids.   Some asthma medications such as Primatene Mist and Bronkaid (both Bronchodilators) can be bought over the counter but they only provide very short term relief. 

Daily Treatment Plan/Action Plan - Depending upon the severity of your case, your doctor will create a daily routine for you to follow to control your asthma. The doctor will also create an action plan for when you experience an attack. Sticking too these plans is the best way to keep asthma under control. 

What You Can Do:

• Stay inside when pollution levels are high.
• Avoid irritants such as fumes from gas, oil, kerosene or wood fires.  
• Control insects (ants, flies, cockroaches) in your home.
• Keep up with the dust (dust mites are a cause of asthma developing in children)
• Keep your home clean of pet hair and allergens. 
• Keep an eye out for mold in your home and remove it quickly if you do find it. 
• Stay inside when the pollen levels are especially high (check your local weather)
• Don’t exercise outside in cold weather.
• Stay bundled up with a scarf around your neck and face during the winter.
• Avoid the foods that induce episodes. (see symptoms) 
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) rather than aspirin. 
• Get your flu shot.