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Common Symptoms of Asthma

You may have all of these symptoms, some of them, or just one. Symptoms can be mild or severe.

• Coughing
• Wheezing (a whistling noise when you breathe)
• Chest tightness (the feeling that someone is squeezing or sitting on your chest)
• Shortness of breath

How To Take Care of Your Asthma

• Work with your doctor and see him or her at least every 6 months.
• Take your asthma medicines exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Watch for signs that your asthma is getting worse and act quickly, noting the signs on your action plan. The action plan gives you some signs that your asthma is getting worse and indicates when to take medicines.
• Stay away from or control things that make your asthma worse.

How To Work With Your Doctor

• Agree on clear treatment goals with your doctor. Agree on what things you need to do. Then do them. Ask questions until you feel you know what your doctor wants you to do, when you should do it, and why. Tell your doctor if you think you will have trouble doing what is asked. You can work together to find a treatment plan that is right for you.
• Write down the things you are supposed to do before you leave the doctor's office, or soon after.
• Put up reminders to yourself to take your medicine on time. Put these notes in places where you will see them.
• See your doctor at least every 6 months to check your asthma and review your treatment. Call for an appointment if you need one.
• Prepare a day or two before each doctor's visit.
• Write down questions and concerns to discuss with your doctor. Include ALL of your concerns, even those you think are not a big deal.
• Bring your medicines and written action plan to each visit. If you use a peak flow meter, bring it to each visit.
• Bring your peak flow values (log book, RxLearn tool - or use RxLearn on-line) to your doctor's office on your visit.

"The doctor would ask me at each visit how little Jimmy's asthma was. I always forgot to mention some symptoms or other problems. Now it's different. Before we visit the doctor, I write down when Jimmy had symptoms in the past 2 weeks. I also write down all the questions I have. Now when I leave the doctor's office, I feel happy that I got all my issues addressed."
Deborah, mother of a child with asthma

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