Good management of asthma can eliminate your symptoms, improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of severe asthma attacks. Is yours well controlled?
Take the asthma test
- Do you cough, wheeze or have a tight chest more than once a week?
- Do you ever wake up at night wheezing, coughing or short of breath?
- Do you use your reliever puffer more than 3 times a week?
- Does asthma affect your exercise?
- Do you ever miss work or school because of asthma?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your asthma may be below par. Speak to your doctor about an Asthma 3+ Visit Plan, which consists of 3 or more visits to help you get your asthma under control again.
How your GP can help
See your GP regularly to maintain control, even when feeling well. Some issues to raise with your doctor include:
- Do you need a preventer? If you take a reliever to treat symptoms of asthma more than 3 times a week, you probably need preventer medication every day.
- Are you using your medications correctly? Ask your doctor if you are using your puffer or spacer properly. Always take your medications as prescribed by your doctor, for example twice daily if this is required.
- What are your asthma triggers? Common triggers are infection, allergies, exercise, emotional upsets and cigarette smoke. Some of these can be avoided.
- What is your lung function? A special test at the surgery (spirometry) can measure how well your lungs are working. Your doctor may advise you to monitor your breathing at home with a ‘peak flow meter’. If the results are not up to scratch your GP may advise extra medication.
- Do you need an Asthma Action Plan? A written plan helps you identify when your asthma is deteriorating and gives instructions on what to do.
If you would like more information on this or other topics, please ring the clinic and make an appointment with your doctor.
Beaconsfield (03) 9796 1445
Belgrave South (03) 9754 7477