Common signs of uncontrolled asthma
Have you considered whether your asthma is under control? Here are some common signs of uncontrolled asthma:
- Need for quick-relief medication: If you often need to use quick-relief medications to manage acute symptoms, your asthma is not well-controlled.
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath during the day: These symptoms indicate that your asthma needs better management.
- Waking up due to coughing at night: Waking up from coughing or breathing difficulties means your asthma is not symptom-free.
- Limitations in activities: If your asthma forces you to limit your daily activities, it is not under control.
Variable symptoms and the need for adjusted treatment
Asthma is a condition that can vary significantly. Both lung function and symptoms can change over time. Therefore, it’s important to understand your condition and treatment so you can adjust your medication based on how you feel. The goal is to adjust your treatment so that you can live a symptom-free life!
This requires you, as an asthma patient, to learn when it is time to increase or decrease your medication. Unfortunately, many people with asthma live with persistent symptoms and become accustomed to them, which leads them not to seek help or adjust their treatment. However, with knowledge of your symptoms and the right treatment, you can feel better and lead a more active life.
Can asthma disappear?
In general, asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways and cannot be cured. However, the symptoms and severity can vary throughout life. There may be periods when you experience almost no symptoms at all, while other periods can be more challenging. In children with exercise-induced asthma, symptoms may sometimes diminish over the years, especially if they do not have allergies.
Why treatment is important even when you feel fine
It’s crucial to continue your treatment even if you are not experiencing many symptoms. Untreated asthma can lead to permanent changes in the airways, known as "remodeling," which can make asthma more difficult to manage in the long term. The goal is to find a treatment that provides you with symptom relief without requiring more medication than necessary.
With the right treatment and understanding of your asthma, you can feel good and live without symptoms interfering with your daily life.
