Asthmaniac: Bringing patients the facts of asthma control.

Asthma Primary Care Online! Asthma Primary Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Online Visits Introduction: Living with asthma requires consistent care and management to ensure a healthy and active life. Asthma primary care plays a pivotal role in this journey, offering a personalized approach to address the unique needs of individuals with asthma. In this blog post, we'll delve into what asthma primary care entails, its goals, the topics covered in primary care visits, the frequency of these visits, and how telemedicine is transforming the landscape of asthma care. What is Asthma Primary Care? Asthma primary care is a specialized branch of healthcare dedicated to managing and treating asthma. The primary care provider collaborates with patients to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle factors. The goal is not only to control asthma symptoms but also to enhance overall quality of life. Goals of Asthma Primary Care: 1. **Symptom Control:**- Asthma primary care aims to achieve and maintain optimal control over asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. 2. **Education and Empowerment:**- Patients are educated about their condition, including triggers, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Empowering individuals with knowledge enhances their ability to manage asthma effectively. 3. **Preventive Strategies:**- The focus is on implementing preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. This may include lifestyle modifications and adherence to prescribed medications. Topics Covered in Asthma Primary Care Visits: 1. **Symptom Review:**- Patients discuss their current symptoms, any changes since the last visit, and factors influencing their asthma. 2. **Medication Management:**- Evaluation of medication effectiveness, potential side effects, and adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. 3. **Trigger Identification:**- Identifying and addressing environmental and lifestyle triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. 4. **Lifestyle Recommendations:**- Providing guidance on lifestyle modifications, including exercise routines, dietary considerations, and stress management. Frequency of Asthma Primary Care Visits: The frequency of asthma primary care visits varies based on individual needs. In general, individuals with well-controlled asthma may have routine check-ups every three to six months. Those experiencing more frequent symptoms or changes in their condition may require more frequent visits. Telemedicine in Asthma Primary Care: Advancements in technology have paved the way for telemedicine to play a crucial role in asthma primary care. Online visits offer a convenient and accessible way for individuals to connect with their healthcare providers without the need for in-person appointments. Through video consultations, patients can discuss symptoms, receive medication adjustments, and access expert guidance from the comfort of their homes. Summary: Asthma primary care is a cornerstone in the management of asthma, focusing on personalized care, education, and preventive strategies. With Asthmaniac's integration of telemedicine, individuals can now access quality asthma care conveniently, ensuring that their unique needs are addressed promptly and effectively. Embracing the evolution of healthcare delivery, asthma primary care through telemedicine is a testament to the commitment to improving the lives of those living with asthma. #asthmacontrolnow#telemedicineasthmacare#backpocketasthmadoc#asthmaactionplan#asthmacontroltest#asthmacontroller#rescueinhaler#asthmacovid19#childrenandasthma#eprescription#easthma#peakexpiratoryflow#peakflowmeter#asthmaniac BOOK NOW! All Posts Asthma Primary Care Online!Asthmaniac BlogHow to Create an Asthma Action Plan for School S...

How to Create an Asthma Action Plan for School Students Asthma is a chronic – and sometimes debilitating – condition. It’s also very common, affecting nearly 1 in 13 Americans. People with asthma need to know how to manage their condition effectively. But how do you do this? In most cases, this means having what’s known as an “asthma action plan”. Here’s how action plans work and what to include in your child’s plan. What Is an Asthma Action Plan? Think of an asthma action plan as a personal worksheet. It sets out, in writing, the steps to take to control your – or your child’s – asthma. You can share the worksheet with any adults in your child’s life. This way, they’ll know what to do if your child has an attack. Your child’s doctor might create a plan for you, but you can write your own. In fact, you should know how to write or customize your plan! This helps you feel in control of your child’s health and makes living with asthma a little easier. What’s Included in a Simple Asthma Action Plan? We’ll cover what to include below, but generally, a plan should include the following: Emergency contact information Asthma medication “Red flags” for worsening asthma What to do if asthma is getting worse An asthma action plan can help to prevent asthma attacks or mitigate how serious they get. Who Needs an Asthma Action Plan? The simple answer is everyone with asthma. There’s no asthma sufferer who won’t benefit from a clear plan to help manage their condition. Asthma plans are especially important, though, if you have a more severe form of asthma. They’re also very useful for children who might not recognize when their symptoms are getting worse. Adults, looking at the plan, can spot the signs and act quickly. What to Include in Asthma Action Plans for Schools Now we know why you need a plan, there’s another question – how do you write one? Here’s what to include in a simple asthma action plan for school-aged children. General Information Let’s start with the basics. Every action plan should contain: Child’s name Primary doctor and contact details Emergency contact name and contact information You might also include details of the local hospital, if you think this could be helpful. Personal Asthma Zones Asthma “zones” are essentially a scale to help you measure day-to-day fluctuations in asthma control. Usually, we have three zones – green, yellow, and red. Green: Child feels good. Asthma symptoms are under control. Medication is working. This is the zone we want your child to be in every day. Yellow: The child is experiencing asthma symptoms. This could mean they’ve been exposed to a trigger or have a virus. Or, their medicine isn’t working so well anymore. Red: At this point, the medicine isn’t working anymore. Asthma symptoms won’t resolve and the child feels worse. Every child’s zones are personal to them. However, signs which could indicate sliding into the “yellow” zone are: Struggling with normal daily activities Waking up at night feeling breathless Peak flow readings are dropping Some cough, chest tightness, or wheezing Children entering the “red” zone may have symptoms such as: Increased breathlessness Can’t speak due to breathing difficulties Peak flow readings are continuing to go down Can’t do normal activities or any exercise Asthmaniac, your Online Asthma Doctor, can help you create an action plan that works for your child. Asthma Triggers Asthma triggers are anything which sets off your child’s condition or makes it worse. Common triggers include damp, mold, exercise, viruses, or allergens. Including asthma triggers can help teachers and school staff predict when a child’s asthma might worsen. This alerts them to when a child may need closer monitoring. Asthma Medication Include what medicine a child takes when they’re in the “green” zone. Then, write down what medicine they should take if they enter the “yellow” zone.

Can Asthma Be Cured Permanently? Asthma affects nearly 25 million Americans. It’s one of our most common health conditions and it can be very difficult to live with. But is there such a thing as an asthma cure? Below, we consider the different treatments for asthma and how sufferers might prevent asthma attacks. What Is Asthma? Asthma is a long-term lung condition. It causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. There are various types of asthma, such as exercise-induced asthma and allergic asthma. Some individuals have more severe forms of the disease than others. And in some cases, asthma may be life-threatening or severely impact your quality of life. Asthma Symptoms Asthma symptoms vary. The most common symptoms include: Chest tightness Coughing Shortness of breath Wheezing More severe symptoms include blue-tinged lips and nails, nighttime breathlessness, and chest pain. Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms as they may require urgent treatment. Asthma Causes There are multiple causes of asthma. Common asthma causes or “triggers” include: Air pollution: Tobacco smoke and air pollution can trigger asthma. Damp: Mold and damp conditions can irritate the lungs and cause asthma symptoms. Exercise: Some sufferers develop symptoms after intense – or mild – exercise. Occupational exposure: Asthma may be triggered by exposure to chemicals at work. Pets: Allergies to pet hair (such as dog or cat hair) can cause asthma symptoms. Viruses: Seasonal respiratory viruses, like flu, can trigger asthma flares. But can asthma be cured permanently? Let’s take a look. Is Asthma Curable? The short answer? Unfortunately, no. Asthma is incurable, meaning it’s a lifelong condition. It’s not all bad news, though. Most people with asthma can successfully control their symptoms and live a full life. Let’s consider how you might manage your asthma and avoid attacks. How to Manage Your Asthma Asthma management typically involves: Identifying asthma triggers Monitoring your symptoms Taking asthma medication Reviewing your medication regularly Here are various strategies you can use to manage your asthma more effectively. For personalized advice, reach out to Asthmaniac, the online asthma doctor, today! Asthma Action Plan The cornerstone of asthma management is the “asthma action plan”. Your action plan sets out, in writing, what medicines you take and what to do if you’re experiencing a flare. It helps you identify if symptoms are getting worse and when you should seek medical help. Not only does a plan help you manage your asthma, but it makes it easier for others to support you. For example, you can give your child’s school a copy of their plan. This way, teachers know who to contact in an emergency. Inhalers Inhalers are the most common asthma medicine. They can prevent asthma symptoms or relieve them when they do occur. Asthma patients often have preventative inhalers. These inhalers are used to stop symptoms from occurring. Most asthma patients will also have a quick-acting or “rescue” inhaler. You take this during an attack. It’s important that you’re taking the right inhalers, at the right dose, to manage your asthma. Medication Other medications are available, especially if inhalers don’t control your asthma well enough. Your doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory medicines, biologic injections, or steroids in tablet form. Exercise Exercising within safe limits could improve your fitness levels. Increased fitness means there’s less stress on your heart and lungs. Some patients, especially those with exercise-induced asthma, might benefit from graded exercise. It’s important you don’t overdo exercise or training. Consult a doctor before exercising with asthma. Lifestyle Changes Making some general lifestyle changes might help reduce asthma symptoms. For example, you might: Avoid damp or moldy places

Navigating Asthmaniac.com! Navigating Asthmaniac to Find Your Best Asthma Control Asthmaniac.com is a fully digital asthma clinic designed to deliver physician consultation, disease assessment, patient education, medical refills, and follow-up care. This is different than making an appointment in a traditional clinic for asthma care. So, how does it work? Navigate to the website Asthmaniac.com is a website that contains the links and information you will need to manage your asthma. Simply...

High-Deductible Health Plan? Online Asthma Is Perfect! High Deductible? Asthmaniac Is Best Value! ✓ You have a Health Insurance Policy ✘ But, it has a high deductible ???? Asthmaniac was made for you! ???? Affordable $50 doctor visits ✓ State-of-the-Art Asthma Care ✓ All online! High-Deductible Health Insurance The Accountable Care Act (Obamacare) created changes in the U.S health insurance market that allowed many more people to enroll in a health insurance plan. The majority of these...

Is Your Asthma e-Asthma? New Medicine! GET YOUR EOSINOPHIL TEST! * e-Asthma is category of severe asthma * Patients with e-Asthma have difficulty getting asthma control with usual treatment * e-Asthma responds well to a new type of injected medicine * In such patients, this new medicine can decrease their asthma attacks and allow them to use less oral steroid. e-Asthma is a type of severe asthma that responds well to a new kind of control medicine that you inject under skin, usually monthly....

Asthma Follow Up Care: Why You Need It! * Follow-up Care is Essential to good asthma control. * Follow-up allows determination of asthma severity. * Other disorders that affect your breathing are detected early. * Rescue medication refills are provided * Your Asthma Action Plan is updated. Having your asthma diagnosed is the first step to getting control. But after treatments are prescribed, follow-up becomes the key to avoiding asthma attacks and minimizing your asthma symptoms Follow-up is...

NEVER run Out of Asthma Inhaler Medicine! GET YOUR INHALER REFILL! * Finding your inhaler empty when the tightness starts IS NOT A GOOD FEELING! ..You need your rescue inhaler ..When you need it! ..Without it, it is probably a trip to the ER and ..a few days of having messed up breathing. * Asthmaniac offers $50 doctor visits for inhaler refills and *sends all orders for prescription medication to the pharmacy of your choice. Asthma is one disease that cannot be controlled without...

Asthmaniac Uses ePrescriptions for Your Medicine! * Electronic prescriptions mean: ..More accuracy in the order, ..More convenience for you, ..No paper to lose, and ..It’s FAST! * Asthmaniac sends all orders for prescription medication to the pharmacy of your choice. Asthma is one disease that cannot be controlled without medication. When your wheezing kicks in, you need a rescue inhaler NOW! And to keep your wheezing suppressed, you need a controller medication. Most asthma patients are...

Asthma Management Guidelines 2020 Focused Update: What’s In It For You? * The National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute coordinated this update * Recommendations were published on December 1, 2020. * It Focuses on six areas: ....Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Testing ....Indoor Allergen Mitigation ....Intermittent Inhaled Corticosteroids ....Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Allergic Asthma ....Bronchial Thermoplasty * Only four of these six areas have...

Asthma Rescue Inhalers Are Crucial in Asthma Control! * Rescue inhalers are essential * The albuterol in rescue inhalers opens breathing tubes quickly * If it doesn’t quickly improve your breathing, go to the ER * A spacer should be used with all liquid medicine inhalers * Generic albuterol is now available for about $22 per inhaler You and I both know this – your rescue inhaler is your ‘go-to’ when the wheezing starts. Why? Because you get immediate relief (usually). HOW? This type of...

Do You Need an Asthma Controller Medication? * Asthma controllers are medications that “control” the underlying inflammation in your breathing tubes. * Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common type of medicine used for this purpose. * In order for corticosteroids to work, they have to be inhaled deep into the breathing tubes twice daily. * A new class of drugs has been developed to control inflammation: they are called biologics and are injected weekly or monthly into the skin of your...

* A spacer is needed to hold your asthma medicine in a cloud until you can pull it into your lungs with a deep breath. * If you don’t use a spacer with your asthma medicine, it ends up on tongue and on the walls of your throat where it can’t help your asthma and usually causes a yeast infection. * Spacers should be used with all of your asthma medicine that comes in a metered dose inhaler (MDI). * Medicine administered by a dry powder inhaler does not require a spacer since the design of the inhaler stirs and suspends the dry powder particles so they can be inhaled deeply.

Children and Asthma: Different from Adult Asthma? * Asthma is present in about 10% of children. * Asthma in children is diagnosed when your child has recurring episodes of wheezing that are relieved by rescue medicine such as albuterol * Asthma in children is treated with the same medicines and treatment plans as in adults with adjustments for their size and metabolism. Children have a lot more wheezing than adults. A simple upper respiratory infection or common cold causes many children to...

Asthma and COVID19: Breathing Easy during a Pandemic * Asthma is a chronic disease that places you at higher risk of serious illness with COVID19 infection. * Keeping your asthma well controlled will give you the best protection against serious COVID19 illness. * Controlling your COVID19 exposure should be a high priority until we have a vaccine. Does Asthma make you more vulnerable to COVID19? Patients with chronic disease including chronic lung disease are having much more trouble with...

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate: How We Measure and Why? * Peak Expiratory Flow is measured by you, several times a week using a small pocket-sized flowmeter * You record the number measured by this devise. * This number shows how well you are able to exhale and tells me if we have your lung inflammation under control * When this number starts edging down over a few days, we know its time to take action before you start to feel symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath or actual wheezing. *...

Asthma Action Plan: Personalized Just For You! * Your Asthma Action Plan is your quick-reference guide telling you how to react to changes in your breathing. * Your plan uses your Peak Expiratory Flow readings and ACT scores to determine if your asthma is in control. * Your Asthma Action Plan clearly instructs you what to do when your symptoms flare up or your Peak Expiratory Flow is dropping. * This allows you to take action with additional medication that I have ordered for you to stop...

Asthma Control Test Score: How We Use It * The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a survey that you fill out about your breathing symptoms. * Your score on this survey will classify your asthma into 3 levels: Well Controlled, Not Well Controlled, and Poorly Controlled * These classifications are used to determine what medications should be on your Asthma Action Plan. * The ACT should be completed weekly to make sure we have the earliest sign that your asthma is flaring up. * You can complete the...

* Asthmaniac.com is my online asthma clinic * Asthmaniac is designed to be affordable, convenient, and reliable. * Asthmaniac follows national quality standards developed at NIH * Asthmaniac uses your phone to make your care convenient and engaging

Triggers for wheezing (bronchoconstriction) include: * Pollen * Dust Mites * Cockroaches * Mold * Pet dander * Tobacco Smoke To prevent wheezing, you need to avoid these triggers. If avoiding them isn’t possible, I can prescribe medicine suppresses the effect of triggers.