Living with asthma

What are asthma triggers?To stay healthy, you need to learn about what makes your asthma worse. These are called “triggers,” because they trigger your symptoms. Common asthma triggers include:

•Mold

•Animal fur

•Tobacco or wood smoke

•Dust mites

•Cockroaches

•Changes in weather

•Home products, such as cleaners, paint, cosmetics, and air fresheners may be irritants

If you don’t know your asthma triggers, try to limit 1 at a time and see if you feel better.

When pets are the problemOnce you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them. Sometimes people who have a dog or cat are bothered by the pet’s fur. It’s best to find a new home for the pet. If you can’t do that, keep the pet out of the room you sleep in. And wash your hands after touching your pet.

Block dust mitesIf dust mites trigger your asthma, wash your bedding in hot water each week. Look for special covers for your pillows and mattress that keep dust mites out. If you can, replace wall-to-wall carpets with tile or wood.

Keep insects outInsects want your food, but you don’t have to let them have it. Store your food in tightly sealed containers. Keep your kitchen very clean. Also, take out the garbage every day.

Dry up moldIf mold bothers you, try to have someone else clean damp areas. This includes the shower area. And when you take a shower or bath, run the exhaust fan.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical

care and advice of your doctor. There may be variations in treatment that your doctor may

recommend based on individual facts about you.

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What is asthma?Asthma is a disease that narrows your airways. When your asthma gets worse, it can make you cough or wheeze. You may also feel short of breath.

Some people with asthma have mild symptoms, while others may need to go to the emergency room sometimes. Asthma can damage your lungs forever if it’s not treated.

You may be given medicine to manage your asthma. To ease your symptoms, you’ll need to learn how asthma medicines work. Some should be used only when you have an asthma attack. Others are made to be taken every day.

Quick-relief medicineThis medicine can quickly stop an asthma attack. It does this by relaxing tight muscles around your airways. You breathe in the medicine from an inhaler. Keep this inhaler with you

all the time, just in case. Use it as soon as you start to have an asthma attack. Talk to your doctor if you find you need to use this every day.

Everyday medicineThis is also called long-term medicine. It works over time to keep your airways clear. It can help you have fewer and milder asthma attacks. If you start feeling better, you may think it’s OK to stop taking this. That would be a big mistake! Your asthma could get worse again.

Tip: Don’t rely on colorBe sure to learn the name of your medicine and the color of the inhaler. This can avoid confusion.

Take actionAsthma can be a challenge. Having an asthma action plan can help you take control. If you don’t have an asthma action plan, ask your doctor for one. Your doctor will fill out what medicine you need to take at each stage.

Most asthma action plans are divided into sections based on your symptoms. They use the colors green, yellow, and red to help you see how you’re doing. This is what they look like:

Green zone: No symptomsAt this stage, you are breathing well. You should take the long-term preventive

medicine you normally take.

Yellow zone: Flare-upJust as with a yellow traffic light, you need to be cautious. You are coughing,

wheezing, or having some trouble breathing at this stage. Take your quick-relief medicine.

Red zone: Serious symptomsYour yellow-zone medicines haven’t helped. You’re coughing and wheezing

much more, or having more trouble breathing. Take the medicine shown on your action plan. If you aren’t better in 15 minutes, call your doctor.

Call 911 if:

•You’re struggling to breathe

•You can’t walk or talk

•Your lips or fingernails are turning blue

MetroPlus can helpIf you would like some help in staying healthy with your asthma, please call the MetroPlus Health Plan at 1.800.303.9626 and ask to speak to one of our Health Educators.

What about exercise?Exercise makes asthma worse for some people. If exercise causes a problem for you, talk with your doctor. Your doctor might give you some medicine to take before you exercise.

Don’t let asthma keep you from being fit. Walking, dancing, or swimming can help make your heart and lungs stronger. Exercise also can help you lose weight. Extra weight often adds to asthma problems. The key is to increase your activity slowly. Drink lots of water and warm up first.