Asthma is a serious, ongoing health condition that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The severity of asthma can vary from person to person, depending on the type of asthma they have, the triggers they experience, and other factors such as age and overall health. Knowing if your asthma is severe is important for managing your condition and seeking the best treatment.
Signs of Severe Asthma
The most common signs of severe asthma are difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help. Other signs of severe asthma include:
• Increased shortness of breath
• More frequent nighttime symptoms
• Frequent asthma attacks
• Frequent use of rescue inhalers
• Symptoms that do not respond to medication
Diagnosing Severe Asthma
If you experience any of the signs of severe asthma, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order a lung function test, which measures how well your lungs are working.
Your doctor may also order tests to determine what is triggering your asthma, such as an allergy test or a test to measure the levels of inflammation in your lungs. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend other treatments to help control your asthma.
Treating Severe Asthma
The best way to treat severe asthma is to avoid triggers and to take medications as prescribed. Your doctor may prescribe a long-term control medication to help manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. They may also recommend a rescue inhaler to use during an asthma attack.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as immunotherapy or biologics. Immunotherapy involves exposing you to small amounts of allergens to help your body build a tolerance to them. Biologics are medications that target specific molecules or cells that are involved in asthma.
Living with Severe Asthma
Living with severe asthma can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage your condition and stay healthy. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your medications and avoiding triggers.
It is also important to take steps to reduce stress, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Keeping a journal of your symptoms can also be helpful in tracking your condition and identifying any possible triggers.
By recognizing the signs of severe asthma and seeking treatment, you can better manage your condition and live a healthy, active life.