To best manage your asthma, schedule "asthma-only" office visits with your doctor at least twice a year. These visits are an ideal time to raise questions and concerns, as well as review your current treatment plan and make adjustments as needed.
Between "asthma-only" appointments, write down questions and concerns and bring them to your appointment along with your Asthma Action Plan and all medications and equipment.
Keep an asthma log throughout the year to keep track of flare-up frequency and triggers. Use these questions for your asthma log:
- How many asthma attacks or flare-ups have you had?
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- What time of day are your flare-ups?
- Is asthma affecting your sleep?
- How often do you wake up in the middle of the night because of asthma symptoms?
- What activities are you doing before a flare-up?
- Have you noticed symptoms after being exposed to a new trigger?
- Is your asthma interrupting your daily routine and activities?
- How many days of school or work have you missed due to asthma?
- How many other activities or events have you missed due to asthma?
- How often are you taking your controller medicine?
- How often do you use your rescue medicine?
- How many refills have you ordered of rescue medicine?
At your next "asthma-only" appointment, review your asthma log with your doctor and point out any specific concerns.
Your doctor may modify your treatment plan and change your medication depending on how your symptoms have been impacting your daily life.
If you are prescribed a new medication, it is critical you learn the correct way to take it and what possible side effects you may experience.
Before the end of your asthma-only visit, ask your doctor if there are any new asthma resources or classes available in the Sutter Health network.
And remember: If you don’t understand something, just ask. We’re here to help.