Because the more you know, the better you ll feel.

Transcription

1 ABOUT ASTHMA

2 Because the more you know, the better you ll feel. This booklet is designed to help you understand asthma and the things you can do every day to help control symptoms. As always, talk to your doctor for more information.* Taking your medicine as directed by your doctor is one of the most important things you can do. If you re like most people, this may be easier said than done. What You ll Find Where You ll Find It Attitudes and Beliefs Page Asthma What Is It? 4-5 My Asthma Goals What Are They? 6-7 Taking Medicines Asthma Medicines How Do They Work? 8-9 My Treatment Plan How Do I Take Action? 1-11 My Medicines How Can I Get the Most From Them? Lifestyle Sticking With My Medicines What Will Work? How Controlled Is My Asthma? Childhood Asthma Control Test (for Children 4 to 11 Years Old) Talking With My Healthcare Team My Doctor Visits How Can I Get Ready? 2-21 Help From Others Asthma Support Where Can I Go for Help? *The term doctor is used throughout this booklet to represent your healthcare provider and also includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants. About My Asthma Care Record Back 2 3

3 Attitudes and Beliefs Asthma What Is It? The doctor says I have asthma. What s my plan? Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs. When you breathe, air goes in and out of your lungs through small tubes called airways. With asthma, two main things may happen in the airways: What triggers asthma flare-ups? Many common things may cause asthma flare-ups. These are called triggers and include: Infections, such as colds or viruses Allergens like dust mites, molds, pollen, and animal dander Cigarette smoke and air pollution Inflammation the airways become inflamed and have more mucus. Exercise Weather changes Inflammation Constriction Constriction the muscles around the airways tighten and narrow the airways. Strong emotions such as upset and stress You can help prevent asthma flare-ups by staying away from the things that make your asthma worse. Ask your doctor for tips on how to avoid your triggers. These airway changes make it harder to breathe and cause asthma symptoms. What does asthma feel like? Asthma symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or wheezing. My doctor said asthma can t be cured. So why do I need medicine every day? It s true, there is no cure for asthma. But there are medicines to help you prevent asthma flare-ups and relieve asthma symptoms when they do occur. Use the goal checklist on the next page. Set goals that you are ready to reach. 4 5

4 Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4 My Asthma Goals What Are They? You are the most important person in controlling your asthma. Talk with your doctor to help you choose one or more goals you are ready to work on now. Asthma Flare-ups I will have no asthma flare-ups (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness). I will sleep through the night without waking up because of asthma symptoms. Controller Medicine I will take my controller medicine(s) as directed every day, even when I feel fine. I will ask questions when I don t understand my doctor s instructions. Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicine I will carry my quick-relief medicine with me and use it at the FIRST sign of asthma flare-ups. I will contact my doctor if I use my quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week over the course of a month. Peak Flow Monitoring I will check my peak flow levels as directed. My peak flow numbers will stay in the green zone (at least 8% of personal best peak flow). I will check my Asthma Action Plan if my peak flow is in the yellow or red zone. I will call my doctor if my peak flow number is in the red zone. Attitudes and Beliefs 6 7 Goal 5 Goal 6 Goal 7 Goal 8 Goal 9 Daily Activities I will take part in my usual activities. I will tell my doctor if asthma gets in the way of my work, home life, or studies. Doctor Visits I will keep my doctor appointments even when I feel fine. I will ask my doctor if I have the right medicines. I will talk with my doctor about ways to manage my asthma using my Asthma Action Plan. Asthma Triggers I will find out what makes my asthma worse and try to avoid these things. Social Support I will talk to family and friends about how asthma makes me feel. I will consider joining an asthma support group. I will let my doctor know if I feel sad or blue. Asthma Emergencies I will follow my doctor s instructions if my asthma or breathing gets worse. I will get emergency help right away if my peak flow is in the red zone.

5 Asthma Medicines How Do They Work? Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: Controller Medicines and Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicines. Controller Medicines Controller medicines help prevent asthma symptoms. They help prevent or reduce the number of flare-ups you may have. The following are types of controller medicines: Inhaled corticosteroids Reduce inflammation; usually recommended by experts as part of daily controller therapy Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators Relax the muscles around the airways; always used with an inhaled corticosteroid Other controller medicines Leukotriene modifiers Block the effects of leukotrienes, one of the chemicals produced with asthma Cromolyn/nedocromil May block the release of chemicals that cause asthma symptoms Theophylline May help control asthma symptoms; your doctor may need to check blood levels regularly Controller medicines are taken every day, as directed by your doctor, even if you feel fine. I worry about using inhaled steroids. The steroids used to treat asthma are NOT the same as the steroids some athletes take to build muscle. These steroids are called anabolic steroids. Ask your doctor about the differences between steroids. For complete information, including potential side effects and drug interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicines Taking Medicines These medicines, used on an as needed basis, act quickly to relax the muscles around your airways. Your airways will open up and help you breathe better fast. Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators are the preferred quick-relief medicine. Use your quick-relief (rescue) medicine during a flare-up or before you exercise. Talk to your doctor if you use your quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral corticosteroid. It may be used for short periods during moderate to severe flare-ups. Take your asthma controller medicines as directed by your doctor. If you do, you: May have more days without asthma symptoms Won t have to use your quick-relief medicine as often May have fewer asthma symptoms at night May breathe better Ask your doctor to help you fill out the Asthma Action Plan on the next page. A plan can help you manage your asthma, especially during an asthma flare-up. If your asthma or breathing suddenly gets worse, follow your doctor s instructions. 8 9

6 My Treatment Plan How Do I Take Action? Develop an Asthma Action Plan with your doctor. An Asthma Action Plan can help you manage your asthma symptoms. It is based on your symptoms and peak flow numbers, which you use to find your zone. Your doctor will write the medicine to take in each zone. No cough or wheeze Can work and play Breathing is good. Peak flow above: Name: Date: / / Doctor/Phone: My best peak flow reading when I am feeling fine: Emergency: Call 911 MEDICINE HOW MUCH TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE IT Taking Medicines Cough or wheeze Tight chest Waking up at night You are having a flare-up. Peak flow between: and MEDICINE HOW MUCH TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE IT 1 Quick-relief (rescue) medicine isn t helping Breathing hard and fast Can t walk or talk well You are having a serious flare-up. Peak flow reading below: GET MEDICAL HELP NOW! MEDICINE HOW MUCH TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE IT 11

7 Taking Medicines My Medicines How Can I Get the Most From Them? Fill out a medicine chart like the one below and talk with your doctor or pharmacist. This will help you take the right dose, at the right time. Include all medicines that you take for all reasons. Quick-relief (rescue) asthma medicines are used on an as needed basis. You may think you can stop using your asthma controller medicine once you feel fine. But your controller medicine is the most likely reason why you feel fine. Your airways still need it every day to treat and prevent symptoms. Name and Strength of Medicine How Much I Take When I Take It I Take It for Dates to Refill Rx Special Instructions 12 Doctor s office contact name / phone number Pharmacy contact name / phone number 13

8 Lifestyle Sticking With My Medicines What Will Work? Taking your asthma controller and quick-relief medicines as directed by your doctor is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. Not taking your daily asthma controller medicine as directed by your doctor means: Your medicines will not work the way they should. You will likely have more asthma flare-ups. The asthma flare-ups you have may be more severe. Your asthma may become harder to control. You might not function as well at home, at school, or on the job. If you forget to take your medicines often: Wear a watch. Set an alarm. Leave yourself a note on the bathroom mirror. Use the counter on your asthma medicines to help you keep track of the doses you take. Keep your controller medicine in a place where you will see it daily. If you forget to refill your medicine on time: Mark a calendar with Refill on [date]. Choose a date about a week before you will run out. Make sure you have enough refills to last you until your next doctor visit. Ask your pharmacy to send you reminders to refill your prescription. 14 I m so busy. Taking medicine gets in the way of my day. The key is to create a routine that fits your life: Try taking your controller medicines with other daily habits, such as in the morning when brushing your teeth or in the evening around dinner time. Check peak flow levels at the same time. Ask your doctor if there is a medicine you can take less often. A simpler medicine schedule may help you. Use the Asthma Control Test on the next page to keep track of how well your asthma is controlled and how well your medicines are working. 15

9 Lifestyle How Controlled Is My Asthma? Take the Asthma Control Test (ACT) for people 12 yrs and older. Know your score. Share your results with your doctor. Step 1 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided. Step 2 Add up each score box for your total. Step 3 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your score. 1. In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, at school or at home? SCORE Most of the time Some of the time A little of the time All of the time None of the time 2. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath? Once 3 to 6 Once or a day times a week twice a week More than once a day Not at all 3. During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning? or 3 nights Once Once a week a week or twice 4 or more nights a week Not at all 4. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol?) or 2 times per day 2 or 3 times a week Once a week or less 3 or more times per day Not at all Each response to the five Asthma Control Test questions has a point value from 1 to 5. To score, add up the point values for each response to all five questions. If your score is 19 or less, your asthma may not be controlled as well as it could be. Talk to your doctor. For an online version of the Asthma Control Test, with easy scoring, go to Notes 5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks? Poorly controlled Somewhat controlled Wellcontrolled Not controlled at all Completely controlled 16 TOTAL Copyright 22, QualityMetric Incorporated. Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated. 17

10 Lifestyle (for Children) Have your child complete these questions. Childhood Asthma Control Test for Children 4 to 11 Years Old Know the score. This test will provide a score that may help your doctor determine if your child s asthma treatment plan is working or if it might be time for a change. 1. How is your asthma today? SCORE A1 2 B 3 C Very bad Bad Good Very good 2. How much of a problem is your asthma when you run, exercise or play sports? A1 2 B 3 C It s a big problem. I can t do what I want to do. It s a problem and I don t like it. It s a problem but it s okay. It s not a problem. 3. Do you cough because of your asthma? How to Take the Childhood Asthma Control Test Step A1 Let your child respond to the first four questions (1 to 4). If your child needs help reading or understanding the question, you may help, but let your child select the response. Complete the remaining three questions (5 to 7) on your own and without letting your child s response influence your answers. There are no right or wrong answers. Step B2 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided. Step C3 Add up each score box for the total. Step D4 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your child s total score. If your child s score is 19 or less, it may be a sign that your child s asthma is not controlled as well as it could be. No or less matter what the score, bring this test to your doctor to talk about your child s results A1 Yes, all of the time. Yes, most of the time. 2 B 3 C Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time. 4. Do you wake up during the night because of your asthma? A1 Yes, all of the time. B2 Yes, most of the time. 3 C Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time. Please complete the following questions on your own. 5. During the last 4 weeks, on average, how many days per month did your child have any daytime asthma symptoms? E5 D4 C3 2 B A1 Not at all 1-3 days/mo 4-1 days/mo days/mo days/mo Everyday 6. During the last 4 weeks, on average, how many days per month did your child wheeze during the day because of asthma? E5 D4 C3 2 B A1 Not at all 1-3 days/mo 4-1 days/mo days/mo days/mo Everyday 7. During the last 4 weeks, on average, how many days per month did your child wake up during the night because of asthma? 5 E D4 C3 2B 1 A Not at all 1-3 days/mo 4-1 days/mo days/mo days/mo Everyday TOTAL 19

11 Talking With My Healthcare Team 2 My Doctor Visits How Can I Get Ready? You and your doctor are a team in treating asthma. To get the most from your treatment, talk openly and honestly with your doctor. I don t feel right asking my doctor some questions. All questions are important. Do not be afraid to speak up if you do not understand something. Your doctor can help you with your treatment plan. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine or are not happy with your treatment plan. Ask a family member to join you for doctor visits. They can write down your doctor s answers. If you have trouble understanding what your doctor says: Ask how your medicine will help you and tell them if you have any concerns. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how and when to use your inhaler. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. But if you need to use it more than 2 times a week, talk to your doctor. Prepare before you go to your doctor s office. Check off the statements that apply to you and discuss with your doctor. Since my last visit: I have taken my controller medicine(s) as directed every day most days some days not at all I have used my quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week. My medicines have caused side effects that bother me. I have followed my Asthma Action Plan. My peak flow levels have been in the green zone most of the time. I have been awakened by my asthma symptoms (more than 2 times per month). My asthma has caused me to miss work or other activities. I have had emergency room visits or hospital stays due to asthma. I have made progress on my asthma goals. 21

12 Help From Others 22 Asthma Support Where Can I Go for Help? I m having difficulty handling this all alone. Ask a family member or friend to support you, such as going with you to your next doctor visit. Ask your doctor about an asthma support group. You can find a group in your area at If you have trouble paying for your medicines: Visit or for more information. Another option is to call 1-8-Medicare or visit Have you felt down or hopeless? It s normal for people with asthma to feel down from time to time. But if you have been feeling down much of the time, talk to your doctor. To learn more about what may be getting in the way of taking your medicines, go to For more help and information, contact one or more of these asthma resources: Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics Asthma Control Test TM Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline The American Lung Association (includes information on local chapters and support groups) Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ASTHMA ( ) American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) ASMA ( ) Many of the Web sites above are external to GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline does not have editorial control over the content of the information provided in these Web sites and therefore does not guarantee their accuracy and completeness. 23

13 About My Asthma Care Record Use this chart to keep track of your doctor visits and the progress you ve made with your asthma goals. Each Visit Questions to Answer / / / / / / Number of days with asthma symptoms in past week Symptoms Number of times I used quick-relief medicine in past week Number of nights asthma kept me awake or woke me in past month Number of hospital visits due to asthma in past 3 months My Asthma Control Test score Medicine & Monitoring Do I take my controller medicine(s) every day? Is it time to refill my asthma medicine? Do I use my inhalers and peak flow meter the right way? Do I have a current Asthma Action Plan? Am I confident that I can follow my Asthma Action Plan? Readiness Do I know my triggers and how to avoid them? Have I scheduled my next asthma visit? (at least every 6 months or as my doctor recommends) 27 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All rights reserved. Printed in USA. HMI363RO July 27