FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

Background:

Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI).

The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has announced that it will be discontinuing Flovent as of January 1, 2024.  They are replacing it with a generic equivalent, Fluticasone.

This replacement will come in the same strengths (44, 110, and 200 mcg per puff) and form (MDI).

Problem:

The problem is that many helath insurance policies may not cover this new generic equivalent.  If you run into this, you will need to be switched to another formulation or brand of inhaled corticosteroid that is covered by your insurance plan.

Solutions:

For adults, there are a number of alternatives but there are fewer choices for children.  To help out, I have posted this equivalent dosing chart as an aide to finding the right medicine.  This information is from legitimate, nationally regarding organizations.  Feel free to share it with your doctor if there is any uncertainty about the best medication for your child. 

As always, Asthmaniac is ready to help out, just grab an appointment and lets talk!

#asthmacontrolnow
#telemedicineasthmacare
#backpocketasthmadoc
#asthmaactionplan
#asthmacontroltest
#asthmacontroller
#rescueinhaler
#asthmacovid19
#childrenandasthma
#eprescription
#easthma
#peakexpiratoryflow
#peakflowmeter
#asthmaniac

 

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE! Background: Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic 

* Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable.

* Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH

* Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma? * Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma * Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth * Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol. * Steroids are used to...

Asthma Primary Care Online!

Asthma Primary Care Online!

Asthma Primary Care Online!

Asthma Primary Care:

A Comprehensive Guide to Online Visits

Introduction:

Living with asthma requires consistent care and management to ensure a healthy and active life. Asthma primary care plays a pivotal role in this journey, offering a personalized approach to address the unique needs of individuals with asthma. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what asthma primary care entails, its goals, the topics covered in primary care visits, the frequency of these visits, and how telemedicine is transforming the landscape of asthma care.

What is Asthma Primary Care?

Asthma primary care is a specialized branch of healthcare dedicated to managing and treating asthma. The primary care provider collaborates with patients to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle factors. The goal is not only to control asthma symptoms but also to enhance overall quality of life.

Goals of Asthma Primary Care:

1. **Symptom Control:**
– Asthma primary care aims to achieve and maintain optimal control over asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

2. **Education and Empowerment:**
– Patients are educated about their condition, including triggers, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Empowering individuals with knowledge enhances their ability to manage asthma effectively.

3. **Preventive Strategies:**
– The focus is on implementing preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. This may include lifestyle modifications and adherence to prescribed medications.

Topics Covered in Asthma Primary Care Visits:

1. **Symptom Review:**
– Patients discuss their current symptoms, any changes since the last visit, and factors influencing their asthma.

2. **Medication Management:**
– Evaluation of medication effectiveness, potential side effects, and adjustments to the treatment plan if needed.

3. **Trigger Identification:**
– Identifying and addressing environmental and lifestyle triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms.

4. **Lifestyle Recommendations:**
– Providing guidance on lifestyle modifications, including exercise routines, dietary considerations, and stress management.

Frequency of Asthma Primary Care Visits:

The frequency of asthma primary care visits varies based on individual needs. In general, individuals with well-controlled asthma may have routine check-ups every three to six months. Those experiencing more frequent symptoms or changes in their condition may require more frequent visits.

Telemedicine in Asthma Primary Care:

Advancements in technology have paved the way for telemedicine to play a crucial role in asthma primary care. Online visits offer a convenient and accessible way for individuals to connect with their healthcare providers without the need for in-person appointments. Through video consultations, patients can discuss symptoms, receive medication adjustments, and access expert guidance from the comfort of their homes.

Summary:

Asthma primary care is a cornerstone in the management of asthma, focusing on personalized care, education, and preventive strategies. With Asthmaniac’s integration of telemedicine, individuals can now access quality asthma care conveniently, ensuring that their unique needs are addressed promptly and effectively. Embracing the evolution of healthcare delivery, asthma primary care through telemedicine is a testament to the commitment to improving the lives of those living with asthma.

#asthmacontrolnow
#telemedicineasthmacare
#backpocketasthmadoc
#asthmaactionplan
#asthmacontroltest
#asthmacontroller
#rescueinhaler
#asthmacovid19
#childrenandasthma
#eprescription
#easthma
#peakexpiratoryflow
#peakflowmeter
#asthmaniac

 

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE! Background: Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic 

* Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable.

* Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH

* Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma? * Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma * Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth * Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol. * Steroids are used to...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

Introducing Asthmaniac: Your Partner in Asthma Control

Asthmaniac is more than just an asthma clinic – it’s your dedicated asthma doctor, available online for your convenience. If you’re a new asthma patient, here’s what you need to know about Asthmaniac:

What is Asthmaniac?

  • Your Online Asthma Doctor: Asthmaniac.com is not just a website; it’s your virtual asthma primary care clinic. Our approach is centered on your asthma, providing affordable, convenient, and reliable care.

  • National Standards: Asthmaniac follows the national quality standards developed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This ensures that your care is based on the latest research and guidelines.

  • Phone and Video Visits: Harnessing the power of your phone, Asthmaniac offers phone and video-based encounters. This makes your care engaging and accessible from the comfort of your home.

Asthmaniac: Your Solution to Asthma Control

Asthmaniac.com is more than just an online clinic; it’s a comprehensive solution to help you gain control over your asthma. Here’s how Asthmaniac is tailored to meet your needs:

  • Focus on Asthma Control: Asthmaniac stands out with its 100% focus on asthma. By concentrating solely on asthma care, we ensure a deep understanding of the most modern techniques for asthma control and patient education.

  • National Standards-Based: Built around well-defined National Standards for Asthma Care, Asthmaniac’s recommendations are state-of-the-art, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest clinical practices.

  • Telemedicine Methods: Leveraging smartphone and telemedicine methods, Asthmaniac eliminates the need for in-person clinic visits. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the convenience of accessing care from anywhere.

  • No Insurance Needed: Asthmaniac believes in making asthma care accessible. By keeping insurance companies out of the equation, we ensure fair and reasonable costs for your out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Electronic Prescriptions: Embracing modern technology, Asthmaniac sends electronic medication prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. Say goodbye to paper prescriptions and enjoy efficient, convenient care.

  • Online Symptom Assessment: Asthmaniac integrates proven online symptom assessments, such as the Asthma Control Test (ACT), into its clinic. You can take the test anytime, providing valuable insights into your asthma control.

  • Peak Expiratory Flow: Monitoring your lung function is crucial. Asthmaniac utilizes peak flow meters to detect early changes in lung function, guiding adjustments in medication and action plans.

Follow-up Care is Key

Asthma control requires consistent follow-up care. Asthmaniac simplifies this process with easy phone-based follow-up visits, ensuring that your asthma management remains on track.

Asthma Action Plan

Active involvement is essential for asthma control. Asthmaniac develops a personalized Asthma Action Plan that evolves with your changing needs, providing a roadmap for optimal self-management.

Why Asthmaniac?

Asthma, though controllable, often receives inadequate care. Asthmaniac addresses this gap with:

  • Consistent, Quality Strategies: Asthmaniac provides reliable strategies for asthma control, following guidelines from the NIH.

  • Expert Guidance: With over three decades of experience, Asthmaniac offers expert guidance through its blog section at Asthmaniac.com. Subscribe for regular updates and expert insights.

If you’re ready to take control of your asthma, Asthmaniac is here for you.

#asthmacontrolnow #telemedicineasthmacare #backpocketasthmadoc #asthmaactionplan #asthmacontroltest #asthmacontroller #rescueinhaler #asthmacovid19 #childrenandasthma #eprescription

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE! Background: Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic 

* Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable.

* Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH

* Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma? * Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma * Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth * Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol. * Steroids are used to...

How to Create an Asthma Action Plan for School Students

How to Create an Asthma Action Plan for School Students

How to Create an Asthma Action Plan for School Students

Asthma is a chronic – and sometimes debilitating – condition. It’s also very common, affecting nearly 1 in 13 Americans. People with asthma need to know how to manage their condition effectively. But how do you do this?

In most cases, this means having what’s known as an “asthma action plan”. Here’s how action plans work and what to include in your child’s plan.

What Is an Asthma Action Plan?

Think of an asthma action plan as a personal worksheet. It sets out, in writing, the steps to take to control your – or your child’s – asthma. You can share the worksheet with any adults in your child’s life. This way, they’ll know what to do if your child has an attack.

At Asthmaniac, we create a plan for you.  Having this plan will help you feel in control of your child’s health and makes living with asthma a little easier.

What’s Included in a Simple Asthma Action Plan?

A Asthma Action Plan includes the following:

  • Emergency contact information
  • Asthma medication
  • “Red flags” for worsening asthma
  • What to do if asthma is getting worse

Following an asthma action plan can help to prevent asthma attacks or mitigate how serious they get.

Who Needs an Asthma Action Plan?

The simple answer is everyone with asthma. There’s no asthma sufferer who won’t benefit from a clear plan to help manage their condition.

Asthma plans are especially important for more severe forms of asthma. They’re also very useful for children who might not recognize when their symptoms are getting worse. Adults, looking at the plan, can spot the signs and act quickly.

What is Included in Asthma Action Plans for Schools

An Asthma Action Plan contains the following information.

General Information

Let’s start with the basics. Every action plan should contain:

  • Child’s name
  • Primary doctor and contact details
  • Emergency contact name and contact information

You might also include details of the local hospital.

Personal Asthma Zones

Asthma “zones” are essentially a scale to help you measure day-to-day fluctuations in asthma control. Usually, we have three zones – green, yellow, and red.

  • Green: Child feels good. Asthma symptoms are under control. Medication is working. This is the zone we want your child to be in every day.
  • Yellow: The child is experiencing asthma symptoms. This could mean they’ve been exposed to a trigger or have a virus. Or, their medicine isn’t working so well anymore.
  • Red: At this point, the medicine isn’t working anymore. Asthma symptoms won’t resolve and the child feels worse.

Every child’s zones are personal to them. However, signs which could indicate sliding into the “yellow” zone are:

  • Struggling with normal daily activities
  • Waking up at night feeling breathless
  • Peak flow readings are dropping
  • Some cough, chest tightness, or wheezing

Young boy with asthma at school using peak flow device to measure asthma for action plan control

Children entering the “red” zone may have symptoms such as:

  • Increased breathlessness
  • Can’t speak due to breathing difficulties
  • Peak flow readings are continuing to go down
  • Can’t do normal activities or any exercise

Asthmaniac, your Online Asthma Doctor, create an action plan that works for your child.

Asthma Triggers

Asthma triggers are anything which sets off your child’s condition or makes it worse. Common triggers include mold, exercise, viruses, or allergens.

Listing asthma triggers in the Asthma Action Plan can help teachers and school staff predict when a child’s asthma might worsen. This alerts them to when a child may need closer monitoring.

Asthma Medication

Each plan includes the medicines a child takes in their “green” and “yellow” zones. The dosage and how often/when they should take the medicine in included.

Typically, a plan will include directions for any quick relief medicine for when your child slips into the “red” zone.

How to Handle Asthma Emergencies

Thankfully, asthma mortality rates are declining in the US. One reason for this could be knowing how to act quickly and avoid asthma attacks becoming emergencies. If a child enters the “red zone”, schools should take the following action:

  • Administer any emergency medicine
  • Call 911
  • Contact the emergency contact (usually a parent)

Get a Simple Asthma Action Plan for School Students

A simple asthma action plan can help you and your child feel more in control of their asthma. But it can also save their life. Do you need help managing your child’s asthma at school? Asthmaniac can help.

As the Online Asthma Doctor, we can help with everything from reviewing medicine to writing an action plan. Contact Asthmaniac to take back control of your child’s asthma today.

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE! Background: Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic 

* Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable.

* Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH

* Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma? * Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma * Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth * Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol. * Steroids are used to...

Phone Doctor Visits: They Work For Asthma Control!

Phone Doctor Visits: They Work For Asthma Control!

Phone Doctor Visits: They Work For Asthma Control!

*  Quality Asthma care depends on self-management by patients.

*  A large part of my role as your physician is teaching you these self-management skills.

*  Crucial to these skills are techniques you will use to assess:

*  Your Symptoms (Asthma Control Test)

*  Your Lung Function (Peak Expiratory Flow)

*  We will discuss your self-assessments by phone rather than in-person.

*  These phone visits and your frequent use of the Asthmaniac website are designed to keep your asthma controlled while avoiding illness exposure and the inconveience of travel and waiting rooms

 

Asthmaniac is based on the National standards for asthma care.

Those standards tell doctors to teach their patients how to assess their everyday symptoms and lung capacity.

Years of research has led to the creation of a solid symptom assessment tool (Asthma Control Test or ACT).   This is a survey that you can complete yourself and then report to me.

Research has also shown that lung performance or how well you are able to breath out (Peak Expiratory Flow or PEF), can be measured using a simple, pocket-sized flow meter.

In my Asthmaniac clinic, I ask patients to use a simple flowmeter to record their number several times each week.

I instruct how this number is used in conjunction with your Action Plan to best manage your symptoms.

I use ACT score in planning updates to your medications, their dosages, and your Action Plan.

The great thing about having these two proven methods of assessing your asthma is that we can conduct our entire asthma appointment on the phone!

Yes!

On the phone!

That means you can get your Asthmaniac appointment on a lunch break, walking down the street, or wherever you are.

One place you won’t be is sitting?

A doctor office waiting room – waiting to catch a virus!

Phone appointments: a key convenience of Asthmaniac!

Grab an appointment and we can get your asthma care optomized!

#asthmacontrolnow
#telemedicineasthmacare
#backpocketasthmadoc
#asthmaactionplan
#asthmacontroltest
#asthmacontroller
#rescueinhaler
#asthmacovid19
#childrenandasthma
#eprescription
#easthma
#peakexpiratoryflow
#peakflowmeter
#asthmaniac

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE! Background: Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic 

* Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable.

* Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH

* Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma? * Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma * Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth * Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol. * Steroids are used to...

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma?

* Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma

* Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth

* Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol.

* Steroids are used to control inflammation in asthma

* Lung inflammation in moderate asthma can be controlled but not cured.

 

The basic problem in asthma lungs is inflammation.

Inflammation means swelling, oozing, and fragility of the lining of breathing tubes.

This inflammation leads to extra mucus production and this mucs, along with swelling in the walls of these tubes, creates a extra resistance to air flow.  

When these breathing tubes are inflammed with swelling and mucus, the effort to move air, especially out of the lungs, can be exhausting.

My goal is to help you keep a lid on this inflammation.  The tendency for it to get out of control will always be there – that’s the way asthma is.

But, with the right medication and avoidance of triggers, you can stay out of the ER, get restful sleep, and be as active as an olympic athlete!

Now, when the inflammation is out of control, we have only one choice.

SHUT IT DOWN.

The most potent and fast acting medicine we have for this is corticosteroids.  

We say steroids for short.  

This isn’t the type of steroids injected by weight lifters to make big muscles – those are called anabolic steroids..  

Corticosteroids work inside the walls of breathing tubes to block the inflammation process.

They work, but their action is not immediate.

Prednisone and Dexamethasone are the most common forms used in non-hospitalized asthma patients.

These steroids are taken by mouth, or if your breathing is really bad, they are given intravenously.

Either medicine must be taken for 3-5 days straight for the full effect.

After these medicines shut down the inflammation process in the breathing tubes, we are in a position to launch a new asthma action plan that includes stronger controller medicine in the form of inhaled steroids, also called controllers.

These inhaled corticosteroids have dramatically changed the course of asthma.  

Lives have been saved and many days of disrupted sleep, work, & school have been prevented. 

For more severe asthma sufferers, there are new medications – biologics, that make even more dramatic improvements in severe asthma control.    

For most moderate asthma patients, inhaled corticosteroids will be a cornerstone of their asthma action plan.

Finding the right type of steroid, the frequency that works, and the one that you and your insurance company accept is a really important part of asthma care.

If you are using your albuterol rescue inhaler daily and aren’t using a steroid inhaler, you need one.  

If you are using your albuterol rescue inhaler more than two times per week and you ARE on a steroid inhaler, you need a change that delivers more steroid either per dose or more times per day.

If you are ready to make a change, grab an appointment and lets talk!

#asthmacontrolnow
#telemedicineasthmacare
#backpocketasthmadoc
#asthmaactionplan
#asthmacontroltest
#asthmacontroller
#rescueinhaler
#asthmacovid19
#childrenandasthma
#eprescription
#easthma
#peakexpiratoryflow
#peakflowmeter
#asthmaniac

 

 

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE!

FLOVENT: GOING, GONE! Background: Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid asthma controller medicine that is widely used to prevent asthma attacks.  It is administered using an Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). The company that makes Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline, has...

Asthmaniac Blog

Asthmaniac Blog

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic 

* Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable.

* Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH

* Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Steroids in Asthma: Why We Need Them?

Why do we use steroids in asthma? * Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma * Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth * Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol. * Steroids are used to...

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