Asthma is a lifelong (chronic) condition. It is important to make sure your asthma is well controlled, to reduce the risk of dangerous asthma attacks, and long term damage to your lungs. Whilst there is no permanent cure for asthma, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms by knowing your triggers, and understanding how to treat worsening asthma. Studies show that while many people think that their asthma is well controlled, a majority don’t actually have good control!
Signs of Good Asthma Control
Asthma is well controlled if :
- most days, you don’t have any breathing difficulties, cough or wheeze.
- you generally sleep through the night, without waking due to asthma symptoms like cough, wheeze, or chest tightness
- you can exercise without getting asthma symptoms (some people need to use their reliever beforehand, to achieve this)
- you don’t miss work or school due to asthma
- you do not need to use your reliever inhaler more than 2 times per week (except for exercise)
Good asthma control can be measured by having a breathing test (spirometry)
Signs of Poor Asthma Control
Asthma is poorly controlled if you:
- have frequent breathing difficulties, coughing or wheezing most days
- experience disturbed sleep due to asthma
- can’t exercise or exert yourself physically without experiencing breathing difficulties, cough and/or wheeze
- often miss work or school due to asthma
- use your reliever medication more than 2 times per week.
If you do not have an asthma “action plan” or if you are unsure whether you have good asthma control, you should speak to your doctor.
