If you've recently been diagnosed with asthma, you may have questions or feel overwhelmed. The good news is that while asthma cannot be cured, it can often be managed successfully. With the right treatment plan, regular medical care, and by learning what triggers your symptoms, many people with asthma are able to live active, healthy lives.
The first few weeks after your diagnosis are a great time to learn about your condition and build healthy habits.
Work with your healthcare provider to create an Asthma Action Plan. This personalized plan outlines:
Keep your plan somewhere easy to find and review it regularly.
Asthma medications don't all work the same way. Your healthcare professional may prescribe:
Knowing when and how to use each medication is an important part of managing asthma.
Helpful resource: Learn how to use your inhaler correctly.
Pay attention to:
Keeping a symptom journal or using an asthma tracking app can help you and your healthcare professional see patterns and determine whether your treatment plan is working.
Everyone's asthma is different. Common triggers include:
Your healthcare professional or an allergist may recommend allergy testing to help identify your specific triggers.
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza can make asthma symptoms worse and increase the risk of complications.
Talk with your healthcare professional about recommended vaccinations, including an annual flu vaccine and other vaccines appropriate for your age and health.
Avoid tobacco smoke whenever possible, including secondhand smoke. Smoke from wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and vehicle exhaust may also trigger asthma symptoms.
If you or someone in your household uses tobacco, quitting is one of the best ways to improve lung health. Call the New Hampshire Tobacco Helpline at 800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or go to https://quitnownh.org for free quit smoking help.
Asthma can change over time. Regular checkups help ensure:
Seek immediate medical attention if:
Knowing when to act is an important part of asthma management.
Living with asthma takes time to learn, but you're not alone. With the right treatment plan and support, many people with asthma are able to manage their symptoms and continue doing the activities they enjoy.