All the questions I was too scared to ask when I got my asthma diagnosis 

Whether you've just been diagnosed with asthma or have been living with it for years, you may have lingering questions you've wanted to ask but never had the chance to. Consultations can be quick and stressful which makes it tricky to ask questions. Perhaps you've felt embarrassed to ask, or you're simply afraid of what the answer might be.

It can also be challenging to know where to turn for answers. Your healthcare provider should have the latest information on asthma treatments and can work with you to determine what’s best based on your individual needs and symptoms.

Below are tips on questions you can ask your healthcare provider that others wished they had asked earlier:

Can you check that I'm using my inhaler correctly? I'm a little unsure about how to do it…

"I'm ashamed to admit this, but I used my inhaler incorrectly for over a year before realizing I used it wrong and by then.... it felt too late to ask for advice."

The healthcare system should offer everyone with an asthma diagnosis support and training in inhalation techniques. Want to check your technique yourself? The website American Lung Association provides instructions for specific inhalers.

Can you help me find a way to stay motivated to take my medications daily?

"Taking your medications daily sounds simple... but I wasn’t prepared for all the excuses and obstacles that came up in my everyday life. I wish I had asked for help earlier to find motivation and routines to stick to my treatment plan."

Care should be individualized to meet everyone's unique needs and abilities. Healthcare providers regularly meet patients in similar situations, so they have many tips and tricks to help you take your medications more consistently.

Are there any side effects I should know about?

"What should I do if I experience side effects? I felt like my heart rate increased and I became shaky and nervous after taking my inhaler. Is there anything I can do about it?"

Side effects can be unpleasant. Some may fade over time, while others may not. If side effects are so disruptive that they cause you to skip doses or avoid following your treatment plan, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. There are many different medications available and you have options to find the one that works best for you.

Can inhalers cause thrush in the mouth?

"What is this talk about fungus in the mouth that everyone mentions but no one has explained to me?"

There are simple ways to avoid this side effect! For example, rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after using your inhaler can help prevent thrush on the tongue. The cortisone, which is meant to reach your lungs, can sometimes leave trace amounts in your mouth which affects saliva production and microbial balance, which increases the risk of fungal infections. It’s not dangerous but can be uncomfortable, so make sure to rinse your mouth after taking your inhaler to keep it free from fungus!

What if the medication doesn’t work?

"I don’t think my medications are making any difference. What if they don’t work and I never get better? Is it even necessary to take them then?"

It can take time before you notice the full effect of your medications. It’s helpful to ask your healthcare provider when you can expect to see improvement with your specific medication. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what a reasonable timeline looks like and when to seek help if necessary. This timeline can vary depending on the type of medication, ranging from immediately after taking it to several weeks later.

A treatment plan is a set of dosage instructions created together with your provider to help you manage your condition. The plan should outline how to treat your asthma on good days and what to do if your condition worsens. It should be evaluated regularly with your healthcare provider and adjusted as needed, depending on your current well-being.

Is cortisone dangerous?

"Patients often fear cortisone, no matter how many times I explain that cortisone is not harmful and is the only treatment that will reduce inflammation in the airways... some patients remain skeptical."

Many people worry about the cortisone in asthma medications and its potential side effects. However, cortisone is an essential part of asthma treatment because it reduces inflammation in the airways. The doses of cortisone found in inhalers are not harmful and there are generally few side effects associated with inhaled steroids (inhaled cortisone). A common but avoidable side effect is thrush in the mouth, which can be easily prevented by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler.