Contrary to popular myth, if you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, you will never out grow it. Asthma symptoms might go through quiet periods that can last several years, but they can return at any time. Even if you don’t experience symptoms for many years, there may still be signs of active inflammation in your airways.And there’s increasing evidence that untreated airway inflammation may lead to a long-term decrease in lung function and possibly result in permanent damage.
But the good news is that this inflammation is treatable. It’s simply important to stay one step ahead of the condition with effective disease management.That might mean using a daily preventative medication like an inhaled corticosteroid, a long-acting bronchodilator, or a combination of the two, even when not experiencing symptoms.
The good kind of steroids
Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways,
minimizing an asthmatic’s dependence on a quick-relief, or
rescue inhaler.They’re similar in chemical makeup to a
substance the body naturally produces to combat
inflammation. Since they’re inhaled, they go directly to the
problem area, causing less risk of side effects than pills,
which can have their effect on many body systems before
reaching the lungs. “Inhaled corticosteroids are widely
recognized as the most effective long-term preventative
medication for those suffering frompersistent asthma,”
says pulmonary specialist Stanford Gittlen, MD. And you
needn’t worry about bulking up. “The inhaled steroids used
to treat asthma aren’t the same as anabolic steroids abused
by some athletes to build muscle.”
Long-acting bronchodilators, on the other hand, keep airways open by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways.When used regularly, they help reduce constriction in the airways, improve lung function, prevent symptoms, and lessen the need for the rescue inhaler.
“Asthma attacks are treatable and in many cases preventable,” says Dr.Gittlen. But many people forget or stop taking their preventative medication when they aren’t experiencing symptoms. “It’s important for patients to understand what each medication does so that they understand the importance of preventative measures.”
Have a plan
An important step in understanding asthma and its
treatment is developing an asthma management plan with
the help of your doctor. A plan aims to reduce or prevent
attacks and emergency room visits through daily management
of the condition and employs the use of a peak flow meter,
the device used to measure your breathing capacity.
The plan organizes peak flow meter readings and symptoms into three zones that correspond to the colors of a traffic light. Green means that the peak flow reading is between 80 and 100 percent of your personal best. This is where you want to be every day. Yellow is characterized by a meter reading between 50 and 79 percent. While you may not have symptoms, your lung function is reduced. Red indicates a reading of lower than 50 percent of your personal best, and symptoms are most likely severe. It’s time to call 911 if 20 to 30minutes after taking extra medication you don’t feel better, and your peak flow readingis still less than 50 percent.
Following a plan gives you more confidence in your ability to handle asthma episodes and can help you, your friends and your family to make appropriate decisions if you’re unable to think clearly during an attack.The plan can be a step toward a more active life.
Dr. Stanford Gittlen is with Bucks County Medical Associates, PC.
