6 Signs Your Asthma Is Getting Worse

6 Signs Your Asthma Is Getting Worse

6 Signs Your Asthma Is Getting Worse

If you have asthma, you might be used to coughing and wheezing sometimes. And if you have severe asthma, you may experience breathing difficulties more often than sufferers with a milder condition. 

That being said, your body will give you signs if your asthma isn’t properly managed – and if your condition is getting worse. Here’s a look at why asthma symptoms can get worse and how you can bring your asthma under control again.   

Does Asthma Get Worse?

It’s not uncommon for asthma to get worse at times. This may be during an isolated incident, such as an asthma attack, or it might last for a longer period.

When asthma gets worse, you might experience a sudden onset of more severe symptoms. Or your symptoms may worsen over a longer period of time – such as a few weeks or even months. 

If there’s a gradual onset of worsening symptoms, the changes can be so subtle that they’re hard to notice at first. However, it’s crucial that you know how to spot when your asthma is playing up so you can take decisive action. 

Why Has My Asthma Suddenly Got Worse?

Things that make your asthma worse are known as “asthma triggers”. When you know your asthma triggers, it’s easier to work with your doctor to find ways to bring quick relief. 

Here are the most common reasons why people with asthma experience flare-ups.

  • Allergens: If you’re sensitive to tobacco fumes, dust mites, pollen, or other allergens, exposure to these allergens can cause asthma attacks.
  • Respiratory infections: When you’re recovering from a cold or flu, your airways are more irritated than usual, which may worsen your asthma.
  • Exercise: Increasing your activity levels too quickly might trigger an asthma attack.
  • Medication: Some pain medications might cause an asthma flare-up.

Other asthma triggers include mold, stress, damp, and even changes in weather conditions

Six Signs of Asthma Worsening

At Asthmaniac, we can devise a treatment plan to help you bring your condition back under control. If you recognize any of these symptoms of asthma getting worse, book a consultation with us now. 

1. Shortness of Breath 

Shortness of breath is a clear sign that your asthma isn’t under control. This is especially true if you notice breathing problems at rest or during activities which are normally manageable for you. 

Any shortness of breath should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

2. Using Your Inhaler More Than Usual

Are you using your regular inhaler (or quick relief inhaler) more than normal? This is a sign that your medication isn’t working for you as effectively as it should be. 

And even if you’re not using your inhaler more than usual, but it’s not as effective at relieving your symptoms, your asthma is acting up. 

3. Activity Limitations

Every asthma sufferer has different limitations. What’s strenuous exercise to one person could be easily manageable to another. It’s important you know what’s manageable for you so you can track if your condition is interfering with your normal daily activities.

For example, if you can normally carry groceries but you can’t manage the trip without breathlessness, your asthma may be getting worse. Or if you can’t walk or climb stairs as usual, then this is a warning sign to pay attention to.

If your asthma gets in the way of your normal daily activities, then your condition is not under control. 

4. Nighttime Wheezing and Coughing

Do you wake up during the night due to wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath? If so, then your asthma could be acting up. 

To be clear, it’s not uncommon to occasionally wake up feeling a little out of breath or wheezy. But it shouldn’t happen often. If you’re reaching for a quick relief inhaler during the night once or twice a week, you need your asthma medication reviewed. 

5. Reduced Peak Flow Readings

Your “peak flow” shows how well your lungs are functioning. Your asthma may be getting worse if:

  • Your peak flow measurements are significantly lower than usual.
  • There are noticeable variations in readings from day to day.

Any change in peak flow readings should be discussed with a clinician. 

6. Chest Tightness

Chest tightness is hard to describe because it feels different for everyone. However, when your chest is “tight”, you might feel like you can’t breathe in or breathe out fully. You may feel like there’s a band across your chest, and it could even be painful to breathe. 

If you have chest tightness, especially at rest, your asthma medication may need to be reviewed. 

What to Do If Your Asthma Is Acting Up

Is your asthma getting worse? You don’t need to put up with it. 

At Asthmaniac, we want to give you back confidence in your breathing. We want to bring your asthma back under control so you can enjoy life without stressing over your condition. We can evaluate your asthma medicine, identify your common triggers, and work out an action plan to get you feeling better. 

It all starts with a telemedicine consultation. Contact us to learn how Asthmaniac can help!

7 Myths About Asthma

7 Myths About Asthma

Asthma is incredibly common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 25 million sufferers in the US alone. But despite how prevalent asthma is, there are still many myths out there. Here’s a breakdown of common asthma myths and...

How to Manage Nasal Polyps

How to Manage Nasal Polyps

How to Manage Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps can be irritating and painful – but what are they and how can you treat them? Here’s a look at what causes polyps in the nasal passages and how you can manage the symptoms in the long term. 

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are painless, small growths which develop along the nasal passages and sinuses. They typically appear inside both nasal passages – lumps or cysts confined to one side could be caused by other issues which require medical investigation. 

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps have many causes, but they’re often caused by irritation, swelling, and inflammation in the sinus cavities. Risk factors for developing nasal polyps include:

  • chronic allergies and asthma
  • chronic rhinosinusitis
  • cystic fibrosis

Many times, though, it’s unclear what causes nasal polyps to develop.

What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?

The symptoms depend on how many polyps you have and how large they are, but here are the most common signs to look out for.

  • Chronic stuffy nose
  • Facial pain over your sinuses
  • Headaches
  • Postnasal drip
  • Pressure in your nose or sinuses 
  • Reduced sense of smell or taste
  • Runny nose
  • Snoring

If you have asthma, you may notice more frequent asthma attacks if you also have nasal polyps. 

It can be hard to tell whether you just have a cold, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis. Consult a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days for a diagnosis. Call your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Double vision
  • High fever
  • Increasingly painful headaches
  • Severe swelling around your face or eyes 

Do Nasal Polyps Always Cause Symptoms?

No. Small polyps – and even some larger growths – won’t cause symptoms if they’re not blocking the nasal cavity. Treatment may not be required if your polyps aren’t noticeable. 

Who Gets Nasal Polyps?

Anyone can get them. However, they are more commonly found in adults. They’re very unusual in children aged 10 or younger. 

If you have nasal or respiratory inflammation – such as inflammation caused by asthma – you may be more prone to developing them.

Are There Treatments Available?

Treatment is normally aimed at reducing nasal inflammation which can help to shrink the growths. Treatment options include nasal steroids, oral steroids, and sinus surgery to remove the polyps in some cases.  

Do Nasal Polyps Always Require Surgery?

Not always. Surgery is typically only recommended if more conservative treatments – such as nasal sprays – don’t work or if polyps seriously affect your quality of life.

How Can I Properly Manage Nasal Polyps?

 

Young man with dark hair grimacing and holding his nose highlighted in red to emphasize pain

Although it’s impossible to prevent these polyps, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve how you feel. 

  • Use nasal rinses: Nasal irrigation using a sterile wash or salt solution can remove irritants from your nasal passages, which could make you feel more comfortable.
  • Control your asthma: Effective asthma management is crucial if you have nasal polyps. Contact Asthmaniac for help controlling your asthma which will in turn reduce inflammation in your airways.  
  • Use a humidifier: Humidifiers can moisten the air around your home, which might improve your symptoms by making it easier for mucus to move through your sinuses.
  • Wash your hands regularly: Colds, flus, and other viruses can irritate your nasal passages. Although you can’t avoid pathogens completely, regular hand washing – and avoiding touching your face – can reduce your risk of exposure

Over-the-counter medications, like nasal sprays and anti-allergy medication, may also help you manage your symptoms. 

Symptom management can sometimes depend on the underlying cause of your polyps. Book a consultation with us if you have asthma and you’re concerned that it’s not under effective control.   

Who Can Help With Management of Nasal Polyps?

Consulting a doctor should be your first step if you’re trying to control nasal polyps.

If you have asthma and suffer from nasal polyps, Asthmaniac can help. As your online asthma doctor, we’re committed to helping you manage your condition so you feel in control of your breathing. Whether you need an appointment quickly or a prescription for new asthma medication, Asthmaniac is here for you. 

Call today or book online to schedule a consultation! 

Do Nasal Polyps Cause Complications?

If the polyps block your air flow, they can make it harder for you to breathe comfortably. You may develop more frequent asthma attacks, and the chronic inflammation can make you more susceptible to sinus infections.  

Careful nasal polyps management can reduce the risk of complications, but there’s always the chance that polyps will worsen or come back after treatment.  

Do you need more help with your symptoms? Learn how to manage nasal polyps.

7 Myths About Asthma

7 Myths About Asthma

Asthma is incredibly common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 25 million sufferers in the US alone. But despite how prevalent asthma is, there are still many myths out there. Here’s a breakdown of common asthma myths and...

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 Tezspireadministered?

 

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

 

7 Myths About Asthma

7 Myths About Asthma

Asthma is incredibly common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 25 million sufferers in the US alone. But despite how prevalent asthma is, there are still many myths out there. Here’s a breakdown of common asthma myths and...

Asthma Proof Your Home: Identify the Hot Spots

Asthma Proof Your Home: Identify the Hot Spots

Asthma Proof Your Home: Identify the Hot Spots

If you have asthma, it’s important to asthma-proof your home. This means identifying and removing asthma triggers from your environment. Many people don’t know how to asthma-proof their homes, but it’s not difficult.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify asthma hotspots and create an asthma action plan for your home. We will also provide tips for asthma-proofing your home so you can live a healthier life!

How to Asthma Proof Your Home

Every home is different and therefore requires its own approach to asthma-proofing. However, there are some basic steps you can follow to get started.

1. Identify Asthma Hot Spots

The first step is to identify the hot spots in your home that need attention. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has a Healthier Home Checklist that can help you figure out where to start.

This checklist provides tips for each area of the home, such as the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. By going through each room and identifying any possible asthma triggers—such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, or pollen—you will be able to pinpoint the areas that need attention.

2. Clear Home of Dust and Dirt

Once you have identified the hot spots, the next step is to reduce the levels of dust and dirt in your home. This can be done by vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture frequently (at least twice a week) with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.  You should also regularly mop floors, dust surfaces, and take rugs outside to be beaten.

3. Cover Mattresses and Pillows

Dust mites love mattresses and pillows, so it’s important to cover them with special covers that encase the mattress in an airtight layer of fabric. This will prevent dust mites from getting into the material, making your bed a much less hospitable environment for them.

4. Consider Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can help to reduce the levels of pollutants and dust in your home, helping to make it easier to breathe. Look for one with a HEPA filter that is designed specifically for asthma sufferers.

5. Keep Humidity Low

A humid home is a perfect breeding ground for mold and dust mites, so it’s important to keep the humidity levels in your home at a minimum. Invest in a dehumidifier if necessary and keep windows closed during humid weather.

You can also reduce the amount of humidity in your home by taking shorter showers and using exhaust fans when cooking.

6. Wash Bedding Weekly

Regularly washing bedding, such as sheets, pillowcases, and duvets can help to reduce dust mites from settling into your bedding. Opt for washable covers for mattresses and pillows, and wash them often. It’s also important to vacuum mattresses regularly to eliminate any dust mite debris that may have settled into the mattress.

7. Vacuum Regularly

On the topic of vacuuming, it’s important to vacuum regularly in order to reduce dust, pollen and other allergens from settling into your carpets and furniture. Look for a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to capture the smallest of particles.

8. Be Pest Aware

Keep an eye out for common pests such as cockroaches and rodents, which can both aggravate asthma symptoms. Use traps or sprays to keep these creatures away from your home. Make sure to clean any areas where they have been seen, such as under the sink or around food containers.

9. Test Your Home For Mold

Mold can be a serious asthma trigger, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of mold growth. You can do this by testing the air quality in your home with a specialized device. If you find any mold, have it professionally removed as soon as possible.

10. Restrict Smoking In Your Home

Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes can be a major asthma trigger. Make sure to restrict smoking in your home and create a smoke-free environment to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

More Tips for Asthma Proofing Your House

Following these steps will help you asthma proof your home and protect your loved ones from potential triggers. Taking these precautions can help create a safe and healthy living environment for everyone.

Additionally, make sure to inspect your house regularly and keep an eye out for any changes that may be setting off asthma triggers. Check the air filter in your HVAC system often and replace it if necessary. Keep an eye on any water damage or standing water that could lead to mold growth, and invest in a dehumidifier to help control humidity.

Finally, try to identify any possible hot spots in your home where asthma triggers may be hiding. For example, the kitchen is a common spot for dust and grease buildup, while allergens such as pet dander or pollen can accumulate in carpets and on furniture. Cleaning these areas regularly and investing in air purifiers or vacuums with a HEPA filter can help keep asthma triggers at bay.

Stay up to date with Asthmaniac Blog for more tips on asthma-proofing your home.

7 Myths About Asthma

7 Myths About Asthma

Asthma is incredibly common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 25 million sufferers in the US alone. But despite how prevalent asthma is, there are still many myths out there. Here’s a breakdown of common asthma myths and...

Navigating Asthmaniac.com!

Navigating Asthmaniac.com!

Navigating Asthmaniac.com!

Navigating Asthmaniac to Find Your Best Asthma Control

Asthmaniac.com is a fully digital asthma clinic designed to deliver physician consultation, disease assessment, patient education, medical refills, and follow-up care.  This is different than making an appointment in a traditional clinic for asthma care.  So, how does it work?

Navigate to the website

Asthmaniac.com is a website that contains the links and information you will need to manage your asthma.  Simply navigate to Asthmaniac.com in your browser.  Once you are on the webpage, there are several areas you will likely use frequently.

Book Now

Pressing this button takes you to the scheduling page where you can choose from two selections: Inhaler Refill or Asthma Consultation.

If you are an established patient and simply need a refill of your rescue or control inhaler, select Inhaler Refill.  You will be taken to the calendar where you select the day and time of your appointment and make payment.  A confirmation will arrive in your email inbox along with a link to measure and report your ACT score and Peak Expiratory Flow.

If you are a new patient (new to Asthmaniac.com), select Asthma Consultation.  You will be taken to the calendar where you will select the day and time of your appointment and make payment. A confirmation will arrive in your email inbox along with a link to a medical history form that collects information about your past problems with asthma and any other health disorders.

Menu Bar

The row is directly below that Asthmaniac Motto: “Your Asthma Control is Our Mission”. 

The Menu Bar contains links to the most important areas of Asthmaniac.com.

Home:  This selection takes you back to the home page from your current page.

Blog:  This section is loaded with patient education covering a wide and ever-expanding number of topics essential for obtaining and keeping control of your asthma.  A list of blog posts is stacked along with the right side of this page, along with live links to corresponding podcasts.  These podcasts are also available on major podcasting platforms making them easy to consume and share!

Your Online Asthma Doctor:  This section describes the very simple structure and focus of Asthmaniac.com.  The components Asthmaniac delivers to you are described in six blurbs with links to pages with more information about each.

About:  This section describes the concept of asthma primary care – the core medical solution to assisting you to keep your asthma controlled.

ACT:  This link takes you to the Asthma Control Test page where you will learn about this test, how it is used to assess your asthma control, and contains a link that walks you through the test, with Freddy’s help.  The Asthma Control Test (ACT) score is used at every appointment and between appointments to give you feedback on your disease status.

Social Media Links

Links to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram appear in the top tab.  You can jump to each of these social media sites by clicking the icon for each.

The twitter feed is loaded with the latest research articles about asthma.

Footer

At the bottom of each page, you will find links for:

The Asthmaniac phone number; and

The Asthmaniac email  link;

In addition, there are links for:

The Home page;

The “Your Online Asthma Doctor” page;

The “Established Patient Process” page which describes how established patients receive their interval care;

The “New Patient Process” page which describes how new patients receive their first medical session;

The “Blog” page, which is filled with patient education materials;

The “Privacy” page which describes the Asthmanic privacy policy;

The “ACT” page which jumps you to the Asthma Control Test page.

Asthmaniac is Online Asthma Care

Asthmaniac is designed to deliver everything you need to achieve your best asthma control and with it, the best lung function, greatest exercise capacity and more quality sleep.  Doctor consults, digital disease assessment, prescription refills, and patient education, right on your phone, puts you in the most powerful position to keep a lid on wheezing for Life!

Are you ready to take control of your asthma?  Book an appointment today!

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

 

7 Myths About Asthma

7 Myths About Asthma

Asthma is incredibly common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 25 million sufferers in the US alone. But despite how prevalent asthma is, there are still many myths out there. Here’s a breakdown of common asthma myths and...

High-Deductible Health Plan?  Online Asthma Is Perfect!

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

✘   But, it has a high deductible

????  Asthmaniac was made for you!

????  Affordable $50 doctor visits

✓   State-of-the-Art Asthma Care

✓   All online!

 

High-Deductible Health Insurance

The Accountable Care Act (Obamacare) created changes in the U.S health insurance market that allowed many more people to enroll in a health insurance plan.

The majority of these policies have a deductible that is large.

A 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!

This comes as 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. 

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 medical care for you.

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

 Stuff like:

  • prescribed inhaler refills and controller medicines;
  • a personalised action plan to guide them in responding to the symptoms;
  • an affordable online/on-phone doctor to coach them to greater health; and
  • a convenient, organised, accessible place to learn more about asthma.

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

I price doctor visits at $50. 

If you have  well controlled asthma, you need 4 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.

So fifty dollars per visit, thats..

$200 per year.

A doctor in your back pocket, coaching you to greater confidence and less anxiety about your asthma.

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

 

7 Myths About Asthma

7 Myths About Asthma

Asthma is incredibly common. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 25 million sufferers in the US alone. But despite how prevalent asthma is, there are still many myths out there. Here’s a breakdown of common asthma myths and...