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 shut down 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 mucus, along with swelling in the walls of these tubes, creates a extra resistance to air flow.  

When these breathing tubes are inflamed 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.  In asthma, there will always be a tendency for it to get out of control.

But, with the right controller 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.

For more moderate and 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

 

 

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication?

* Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled...

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 shut down...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You!

* Your personal Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and  ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why?

* Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under...

Your Asthma Control Is Our Mission

 Same Day Appointments are Available.

720-900-0943

Telemedicine for You!

Children and Asthma: Different from Adult Asthma?

Children and Asthma: Different from Adult Asthma?

Children and Asthma: Different from Adult Asthma?

* Asthma is present in about 10% of children.

* Asthma in children is diagnosed when your child has recurring episodes of wheezing that are relieved by rescue medicine such as albuterol

* Asthma in children is treated with the same medicines and treatment plans as in adults with adjustments for their size and metabolism.

 

Children have a lot more wheezing than adults.

A simple upper respiratory infection or common cold causes many children to wheeze.

But, a single episode of wheezing while ill doesn’t mean a child has asthma.  A key feature of asthma is the recurrence of wheezing, along with its reversibility by a bronchodilator/inhaler like albuterol.

How many children who wheeze when sick go on to have recurrent wheezing and asthma?  We don’t know for sure.  But we do know that infection with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) early in childhood is associated with the appearance of asthma.

The bottom line: asthma in children is a very big problem.

In 2016, about 6 million children were diagnosed with asthma.  That makes it  the most common chronic disease of childhood.

Untreated, asthma in children threatens them with death, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and school absenteeism.

Childhood asthma is treated with the same medications and strategies as in adults. Since they are kids there are adjustments in medication dosage, and some differences in severity classification.

Unfortunately, like adults, children are often not treated according to the National standard of care.

Asthmaniac is designed to serve them as well.

At Asthmaniac, pediatric expertise is always on-deck to make sure our approach to children with asthma is aligned with National standards.

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

 

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication?

* Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled...

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 shut down...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You!

* Your personal Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and  ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why?

* Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under...

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 you – the patient.

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

*  The techniques you will use to assess your breathing are:

*  The Asthma Control Test – to track your symptoms.

*  Your Peak Expiratory Flow – to track your lung function.

*  We will “meet” regularly to 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.

*  Phone consults helps you avoid illness exposure and is more conveient than driving to sit in a waiting room!

 

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 will ask you to use a simple flowmeter to record your number several times each week.

I will teach you how to use this number in conjunction with your Action Plan to best manage your symptoms.

I use ACT scores in planning updates to your medications, 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

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication?

* Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled...

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 shut down...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You!

* Your personal Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and  ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why?

* Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under...

Asthma Follow Up Care: Why You Need It!

Asthma Follow Up Care: Why You Need It!

Asthma Follow Up Care: Why You Need It!

* Follow-up Care is Essential to good asthma control.

* Follow-up allows determination of asthma severity.

* Other disorders that affect your breathing are detected early.

* Rescue medication refills are provided

* Your Asthma Action Plan is updated.

Having your asthma diagnosed is the first step to getting control.

But after treatments are prescribed, follow-up becomes the key to avoiding asthma attacks and controlling your asthma symptoms

Follow-up is so important because asthma is not a disease that is ‘cured’ in the usual sense.

Our goal is to manage and control it!

Asthma control means that:

  • you can be active.
  • you can sleep well.
  • you don’t have to make emergency room visits “routine”.
  • you don’t have to experience life-threatening asthma attacks!

Managing asthma means regular, Doctor visits.

We know from research studies that the best interval for these reassessments is about every three months.

At these appointments: We work on a number of points.

.. First, I evaluate your asthma severity to see if it has changed.,

.. We discuss your response to your asthma treatment plan and consider revising it if needed.

.. We will discuss new information relative to your asthma, such as new medications that may be helpful for controlling your symptoms.

.. If needed, I will order changes in the strength or the frequency of your controller or trigger medications.

.. When we have your new plan finalized, I will transmit your medication refills  to the pharmacy of your choice, electronically.

.. Then, we review your Asthma Action Plan and I

Send to your phone!

Before we sign-off, I schedule your next appointment, 3 months away.

In this way, Asthmaniac helps you stay on top of your asthma.

Asthmaniac gives you the tools to keep your asthma in control

and for you to become the

 expert of your asthma!

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

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication?

* Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled...

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 shut down...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You!

* Your personal Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and  ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why?

* Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under...

Asthma Follow Up Care: Why You Need It!

High-Deductible Health Plan? Online Asthma Is Perfect!

High-Deductible Health Plan? Online Asthma Is Perfect!

High Deductible? Asthmaniac Is Best Value!

✓   You have a Health Insurance Policy (Lucky you!)

✘   But, it has a high deductible (ugh)

✓ Asthmaniac was made for you!

✓ Affordable doctor visits

✓   State-of-the-Art Asthma Care

✓   All online!

 

High-Deductible Health Insurance

Do you have a health insurance plan that offers less costly premiums but has a high deductible?

As you may have discovered, the deductible is the amount that you have to pay out-of-pocket before the policy kicks in.  This amount is usually many thousands of dollars, in some cases tens-of thousands for family policies!

This comes as quite a shock the first time you try to use your health insurance to pay for a doctor visit, a prescription, or worse, get admitted to the hospital where your bill quickly grows to tens of thousands of dollars, INSTANTLY! 

Ok, so like me, you have to pay out-of-pocket for the first several thousand dollars of medical services you need.

That means you will be shopping for the best value in medical products. 

Best value means: highest quality + lowest price.

In my three decades of practicing medicine, I’ve seen so many  patients with run-away, preventable disease whose illness got out of control because they did not got to a doctor earlier due to cost concerns.

That recurring theme motivated me to create a ‘clinic’ that IS affordable BUT delivers state-of-the-art asthma care for you.

Asthmaniac is that clinic, specially focused on delivering the medical stuff asthma sufferers need.

 Stuff like:

I deliver this package through Asthmaniac which you can access on your smartphone, tablet or home computer.  

I keep my doctor visit price affordable!  

If you have  well controlled asthma, you need four doctors visits a year to make sure that you have all of your needed medicines prescribed, that your asthma hasn’t changed into a more severe type, and to make sure you know how to respond if your breathing gets worse.

A doctor in your back pocket, that you can afford, coaching you to greater confidence and less anxiety about your asthma, is a great value!

And if you have an HSA (Health Savings Account) with your high-deductible plan and need a receipt to reimburse yourself for your out-of-pocket Asthmaniac appointments –

I will make sure you have it!

That’s Asthmaniac!

 

Let’s get started!

Complete the subscription form on the right if you’d like to get an email when I post a new podcast and blog entry.

Remember our hashtag: #asthmacarenow!

And keep Breathing Easy!

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

 

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication?

* Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled...

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 shut down...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You!

* Your personal Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and  ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why?

* Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under...

No Insurance? Asthmaniac Will Help You!

No Insurance? Asthmaniac Will Help You!

No Insurance? Asthmaniac Will Help You!

No Insurance is Not a Problem at Asthmaniac!

Got asthma?

⇨ No Insurance?

Asthmaniac was made for you!

Affordable doctor visits!

State-of-the-Art Asthma Care.

 All online!

 

No Insurance = No Problem

Asthmaniac was designed to deliver asthma care to asthma sufferers that:

.. don’t have insurance

.. don’t have a doctor

.. have too much anxiety because this.

 I will be your asthma doctor.

I charge an affordable, fair price for:

.. having your doctor on your smartphone

.. making sure you have rescue inhalers

.. making sure you have state-of-the-art medicine for asthma control

.. making sure you KNOW how to manage your asthma day-to-day

.. making sure you have access to the latest medicine for asthma

.. making sure you have the best tools for self-management

If you have  well controlled asthma, you need four doctor visits a year to make sure that you have all of your needed medicines prescribed, that your asthma hasn’t changed into a more severe type, and to make sure you know how to respond if your breathing gets worse.

Asthmaniac puts your asthma doctor (ME!) in your back pocket, coaching you to greater confidence and less anxiety about your asthma.

Uninsured Asthma Care.

A core feature of Asthmaniac!

Remember our hashtag: #asthmacarenow And keep Breathing Easy!

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

 

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication?

* Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled...

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 shut down...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You!

* Your personal Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and  ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why?

* Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under...