Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. People with asthma get asthma attacks, which can include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These can be triggered by things like dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, air pollution, tobacco smoke, and some foods.

Asthma is both genetic and environmental. Asthma affects infants and children, teens, and adults. Only your doctor is able to diagnose asthma.

Asthma treatments are either for immediate help (using quick-relief medication) or for long-term control, with medication typically provided through a medical device called an inhaler.

Talk to your doctor if you or a family member have asthma symptoms so that your symptoms can be addressed and you can get back to living a life where asthma is controlled, and it does not control you!

Asthma affects some 300 million people worldwide. With proper control and treatments, asthma can be treated and controlled. Follow these steps to help control your asthma.

Talk to Your Doctor

Do you have frequent daytime and nighttime symptoms (cough, shortness of breath)? Do you use your quick relief inhaler often? Tell your doctor at the next visit.

Triggers

Identity your asthma triggers. Pay attention to things in the environment that make your asthma worse and stay away from them.

Quit Smoking

Smoking makes your asthma worse and harms the health of loved ones around you. Stopping smoking is an important step to help control your asthma symptoms as well as those of your family, especially any children you live with.

Exercise

If exercise makes your asthma worse, use your quick relief inhaler 15 minutes before you exercise.

Flu Shots

Get a flu shot every year. You have a higher chance of getting sick and having more severe symptoms from the flu when you have asthma.

Questions for Your Doctor

Not sure where to start? Use this list next time you visit your doctor:

• Am I using my asthma medicine correctly?
• What is my asthma action plan? I would like a copy, and to update it at every doctor visit.
• What are my asthma triggers?
• How well are my asthma symptoms being controlled? Do I need to make any changes in my regular asthma medicines?

Learn how to control your asthma and feel better. Topics covered include what is asthma, recognizing early warning signs, symptoms and triggers, medicines, and using an asthma action plan. Locations:

This is an asthma management program for children and teens. Learn how to control your asthma and feel better. Topics covered include recognizing early warning signs, symptoms and triggers; medicines; and using an asthma action plan.

	Asthma in San Mateo County Read about updates from the National Institute of Health guidelines.
	Information about Your ASTHMA    en español A helpful worksheet to help you and your doctor identify your asthma condition. Fill this out before going to your next doctor visit.
	Asthma Diary   en español A diary to help you keep track of your asthma attacks and treatments. Fill this out and bring with you to your next doctor visit.
	Asthma Trigger Checklist   en español Identify your asthma triggers and follow advice with this handy checklist.
	How to Use Your Inhaler with a Spacer   en español Helpful step-by-step advice on how to use a spacer. Always discuss treatment options first with your doctor, and follow your doctor’s advice.
	How to Use Your Inhaler with a Spacer and Mask   en español Helpful step-by-step advice on how use a spacer with a mask. Always discuss treatment options first with your doctor, and follow your doctor’s advice.