Talking to your doctor about asthma control

How your doctor can help

Your doctor can help you get your asthma under control. Here are a few things your doctor can do for you:

  • help you learn more about asthma and how it affects your body
  • find out whether your asthma is under control and what you can do about it
  • make sure you understand the treatment options available and what they can do for you
  • help you choose the treatment that's best for you
  • teach you to use your treatment properly
  • advise you on what to do if your asthma gets worse

Time to see your doctor?

Could it be time for a doctor's visit? Ask yourself if any of the following statements apply to you.

  • I'm not sure if my asthma is under control.
  • I'm not exactly sure what each of my asthma medications is for.
  • I'm not sure how to use my asthma treatment.
  • I have been using my asthma treatment, but it doesn't seem to help.
  • I am having side effects from my asthma medications.
  • I'm not satisfied with my asthma treatment.
  • My asthma seems to be getting worse.
  • My asthma is interfering with my life.
  • Because of my asthma, I've changed my level of physical activity.
  • Within the last year, I've been to the emergency department or ended up in hospital because of my asthma.
  • I'm not sure what to do if my asthma gets worse.

If any of these statements apply to you, it's time to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your asthma control.

Questions to ask your doctor

You'll get more out of your visit to the doctor if you come prepared. Here are a few questions to ask your doctor:

  1. Is my asthma under control? If not, what can I do to get better control?
  2. Is there anything in my lifestyle that could be making my asthma worse? What can I do to change my lifestyle?
  3. Am I using my medications properly? If not, can you show me how?
  4. Can my current asthma medication(s) be adjusted to respond to worsening asthma symptoms? If not, do you think I should be switched to one that can?
  5. Could I benefit from trying a different asthma treatment?
  6. How should I adjust my medication doses when my asthma gets worse?
  7. What else should I do when my asthma gets worse?
  8. What side effects should I watch out for with my treatment, and what should I do if they occur?
  9. Other: ______________________
  10. Other: ______________________

By asking these questions, you'll be taking a valuable step towards better asthma control. You may also wish to take notes during your appointment to keep track of the advice your doctor gives you.

Don't forget! When your asthma symptoms get worse, you need know what to do! Don't wait until your asthma lands you in a hospital emergency room. Talk to you doctor about what to do now, whether it involves learning more about your condition or learning how to adjust your asthma medications to respond to worsening asthma symptoms. Whatever it is, there is something for you to do, so make an appointment and talk to your doctor about it.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Asthma-Control-Matters