Can Asthma Be Cured Permanently?

Can Asthma Be Cured Permanently?

Can Asthma Be Cured Permanently?

Asthma affects nearly 25 million Americans. It’s one of our most common health conditions and it can be very difficult to live with. But is there such a thing as an asthma cure? Below, we consider the different treatments for asthma and how sufferers might prevent asthma attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term lung condition. It causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe.

There are various types of asthma, such as exercise-induced asthma and allergic asthma. Some individuals have more severe forms of the disease than others. And in some cases, asthma may be life-threatening or severely impact your quality of life.

Asthma Symptoms

Asthma symptoms vary. The most common symptoms include:

  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

More severe symptoms include blue-tinged lips and nails, nighttime breathlessness, and chest pain. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, get an exam quickly.

Asthma Causes

There are multiple causes of asthma. Common asthma causes or “triggers” include:

  • Air pollution: Tobacco smoke and air pollution can trigger asthma.
  • Damp: Mold and damp conditions can irritate the lungs and cause asthma symptoms.
  • Exercise: Some sufferers develop symptoms after intense – or mild – exercise.
  • Occupational exposure: Asthma may be triggered by exposure to chemicals at work.
  • Pets: Allergies to pet hair (such as dog or cat hair) can cause asthma symptoms.
  • Viruses: Seasonal respiratory viruses, like flu, can trigger asthma flares.

But can asthma be cured permanently? Let’s take a look.

Is Asthma Curable?

The short answer? Unfortunately, no.

Asthma is incurable, meaning it’s a lifelong condition. It’s not all bad news, though. Most people with asthma can successfully control their symptoms and live a full life. Let’s consider how you can manage your asthma and avoid attacks.

How to Manage Your Asthma

Asthma management involves:

  • Identifying asthma triggers
  • Monitoring your symptoms
  • Taking asthma medication
  • Reviewing your medication regularly

Here are a number of strategies you can use to manage your asthma more effectively. For a personalized plan, make an appointment with Asthmaniac, your online asthma doctor, today!

Young woman sitting on sofa with hand on neck chest tightness due to asthma symptoms

Asthma Action Plan

The cornerstone of asthma management is the “asthma action plan”.

Your action plan describes in writing what medicines you take and what to do if you’re experiencing a flare up of asthma symptoms. It helps you identify if symptoms are getting worse and when you should seek medical help.

Not only does a plan help you manage your asthma, but it makes it easier for others to support you. For example, you can give your child’s school a copy of their plan. This way, teachers know how to respond to a breathing problem and who to contact in an emergency.

Inhalers

Inhalers are the most common asthma medicine. They can prevent asthma symptoms or relieve them when they do occur.

  • Asthma patients often have preventative inhalers. These inhalers are used to stop symptoms from occurring.
  • Most asthma patients will also have a quick-acting or “rescue” inhaler. You take this during an attack.

It’s important that you’re taking the right inhalers, at the right dose, to manage your asthma.

Medication

There is a variety of medications available to control asthma, including anti-inflammatory medicines, biologic injections, or steroids in tablet form.

Exercise

Exercising within safe limits improves your fitness level. Increased fitness means there’s less stress on your heart and lungs. Some patients, especially those with exercise-induced asthma, can benefit from graded exercise rather than avoiding it altogether.

It’s important you don’t overdo exercise or training. Consult Asthmaniac before embarking on a new, intense exercise plan  with asthma.

Lifestyle Changes

Making some general lifestyle changes might help reduce asthma symptoms. For example, you might:

  • Avoid damp or moldy places
  • Change your exercise routine
  • Limit exposure to busy crowds during flu season
  • Quit smoking

Asthma Triggers

Avoiding triggers can really help. If you have specific triggers – such as dust mites – then limiting your exposure should be part of your plan. Many patients can avoid, or at least reduce asthma symptoms by simply avoiding triggers.

Natural Remedies

Some patients find natural remedies helpful. Examples of natural remedies include:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Herbal supplements
  • Massage
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness

Anxiety and stress can worsen asthma symptoms because they increase your heart rate. Reducing stress and anxiety can help you manage asthma.

Take Control of Your Asthma

While there’s no cure for asthma, it can be managed. What you need, though, is the right asthma medicines and an effective action plan.

That’s where the Athmaniac, your online asthma doctor can help. Whether you need an asthma review or a prescription, we’re here for you. Schedule a consultation today and take control of your asthma!

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control!

What is a Rescue Inhaler? * Rescue inhalers are an essential tool in responding to your asthma! * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly. * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER. * A spacer should be used with...

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

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

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control!

What is a Rescue Inhaler? * Rescue inhalers are an essential tool in responding to your asthma! * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly. * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER. * A spacer should be used with...

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

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

 

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control!

What is a Rescue Inhaler? * Rescue inhalers are an essential tool in responding to your asthma! * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly. * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER. * A spacer should be used with...

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

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) delivered by an MDI.

Problem:

The problem is that many health 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

 

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control!

What is a Rescue Inhaler? * Rescue inhalers are an essential tool in responding to your asthma! * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly. * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER. * A spacer should be used with...

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

What Are Some Early Warning Signs of Asthma?

What Are Some Early Warning Signs of Asthma?

What Are Some Early Warning Signs of Asthma?

Asthma can be life-threatening if it spirals out of control. But how do you detect asthma, and what are the early warning signs of an asthma attack? Below, we explain how to spot asthma in its early stages and what to do if you have an asthma attack.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. Asthma causes your airways to become inflamed and narrower. In some cases, your lungs produce extra mucus, which causes more narrowing.
Some people have more severe symptoms than others. But although asthma can’t be cured, it can be controlled.

Asthma Causes

Asthma has many causes. The most common “triggers” for asthma are:

  • Allergies: Some allergies, like pollen and pet allergies, can trigger asthma.
  • Medication: Certain medicines such as aspirin can make asthma worse.
  • Respiratory infections: Colds, influenza, and other seasonal viruses may trigger asthma symptoms.
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke can irritate the lungs and throat, triggering asthma.

The trigger for your asthma dictates your asthma treatment. So, you should be evaluated by a health professional if you think you have asthma.

Early Warning Signs of Asthma

If you’re new to asthma, you might not know how to recognize the condition. Early signs of asthma include:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Feeling breathless during exercise
  • Frequent coughing
  • SWheezing (especially in children)

You may also notice that your symptoms get worse when you have a respiratory infection. This is because your respiratory system is already inflamed and irritated. And in some cases, you might notice that respiratory infections last for much longer than expected.

If you think you might have Asthma, contact Asthmaniac for an evaluation.

Early Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

People with asthma should know how to spot the signs of an asthma attack so they can manage the situation. The early symptoms of an asthma attack are:

  • Changes in peak expiratory flow readings: Drops in peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings should be reviewed with your doctor as they might suggest an attack is imminent.
  • Using rescue inhaler more often: If you need your rescue inhaler more than usual, you may need a medication review to prevent an asthma attack.
  • Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath and more frequent coughing both suggest your asthma isn’t under control.
  • Increased fatigue: If you’re more tired than normal, or you’re struggling with your daily activities, this may be a red flag that an attack is imminent.
  • Scratchy or irritated throat: Although a scratchy throat can be a sign of a respiratory infection, it can also be an early sign of an asthma attack.

Other warning signs of an asthma attack include chest tightness, wheezing more than normal, and trouble sleeping due to symptoms. If you’re at all concerned about asthma symptoms, book a consultation with Asthmaniac.

Emergency Signs of an Asthma Attack

All asthma attacks can be serious. However, you need to seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following symptoms.

  • You can’t get any relief from your rescue inhaler.
  • Your fingernails or lips turn blue (cyanosis).
  • You are struggling to talk, walk, or perform minimal activities.
  • Your shoulders are hunched over or your chest constricts.

Call 911 if you or your child is having an asthma attack and you can’t bring it under control.

How to Control Asthma to Prevent Asthma Attacks

To help prevent asthma attacks, you need an asthma action plan.

Your asthma action plan is a guide to help you manage your symptoms and spot when your asthma might be getting worse. The quicker you spot the warning signs of worsening asthma, the easier it is to prevent asthma attacks.
An asthma action plan is tailored to you and your medical needs. But at a minimum, it should include:

  • Asthma triggers
  • Your current asthma medications
  • Peak flow readings (if you use these)
  • Your symptoms when your asthma is under control
  • Warning signs which suggest you need to take action
  • Emergency steps to take if you have an attack

Asthmaniac can review your current asthma action plan or create one for you.

Asthma Consultation With Asthmaniac

People with asthma need to know how to manage their condition to prevent it from getting worse.

That’s where Asthmaniac, your online asthma doctor, can help. At Asthmaniac, we offer virtual appointments to help you understand your diagnosis and prevent asthma attacks. We can evaluate your current medication, write prescriptions if needed, and update your action plan.

Whether you’re a new asthma patient or you’re struggling with your asthma controla, we’re here for you. Learn the early warning signs of asthma – book a consultation now to get started.

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control!

What is a Rescue Inhaler? * Rescue inhalers are an essential tool in responding to your asthma! * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly. * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER. * A spacer should be used with...

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

Tezspire for Breathing Your Best!

Tezspire for Breathing Your Best!

Tezspire for Breathing Your Best!

Tezspire Is a game-changer for Asthma Control

 

At its core, asthma is a disease of inflammation.  That inflammation is concentrated in the breathing tubes (bronchi) of the lungs.  This inflammation drives constriction of the bronchi, causing wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath.  In addition, extra mucus is produced resulting in a moist, rattly cough.

 

Inflammation Control

 

Decades ago, research studies uncovered the central role of inflammation in asthma.  Clinical studies since have shown that medicines that reduce inflammation are hugely important in controlling asthma.  Glucocorticoid steroids were found to be very powerful in shutting down this inflammation. Prednisone, a steroid taken orally, has been used to shut down this inflammation.  But prednisone has horrible side effects like opening you for bacterial infection and altering your emotions.  Plus, in kids, the liquid forms taste very bad and makes kids vomit.

 

Inhaled Steroids and Asthma

 

A form of steroid that you inhale from a puffer (metered dose inhaler or MDI) was developed that avoids the terrible side effects of oral steroids like prednisone.  Adding these inhaled steroids to the asthma action plan for moderate and severe asthma sufferers has been tremendously helpful in reducing their asthma attacks.  For best control, they need to be used twice a day, everyday, and if delivered from a MDI, a chamber (or spacer) must be used to make sure the medicine is deeply inhaled.  Without a spacer, much of the medicine ends up on the tongue and in the throat where it causes a painful yeast infection (thrush). 

 

Attacking the Inflammation Molecule

 

More recent scientific studies discovered that particular chemicals in the lining of bronchi are to blame for the underlying inflammation.  One of these chemicals, thymic stromal lymphoprotein (TSLP) triggers the release of other chemicals that activate inflammation.  Capturing and deactivating TSLP stops inflammation in its tracks.  The new drug, Tezspire does just that!

 

How is TezspireⓇ administered?

 

This medication comes in a prefilled pen injector that is placed next to the skin of your abdomen or leg and activated.  The inside mechanism of the pen quickly inserts a fine needle 5 mm into your skin while the device pushes 1.9 ml of liquid medicine into the subcutaneous tissue.

 

Taking this injection once a month, Yes, ONCE A MONTH, dramatically reduces wheezing episodes and dependence on steroids.

Is Tezspire Right for Your Asthma?

If you have wheezing, asthma attacks and ER visits while already using a daily inhaled steroid, you may benefit from this new medication.  Stop struggling with your breathing and find out if TezspireⓇ should be in your action plan by making an appointment with Asthmaniac today!

Asthmaniac is designed to deliver everything you need to achieve your best asthma control.  State-of-the-Art medicine is just part of that mission.  Along with amazing medicines, Asthmaniac delivers follow-up doctor consults, digital disease assessment, prescription refills, and patient education, right on your phone.  Asthmaniac on your phone puts you in the most powerful position to keep a lid on wheezing for Life!

 

Are you ready to talk about Tezspire for control of your asthma?  Book an appointment today!

#asthmacontrolnow

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

 

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control!

What is a Rescue Inhaler? * Rescue inhalers are an essential tool in responding to your asthma! * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly. * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER. * A spacer should be used with...

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