| More than 17 million Americans suffer from asthma, | | | | also know some medications such as drugs and their |
| with nearly 5 million cases occurring in children under | | | | side-effects. And know the signs of relieving and |
| age 18. In the United States, asthma causes nearly | | | | worsening. |
| 5,500 deaths each year. Asthma doesn't choose its | | | | A special inhaler is used in long-term asthma |
| victims, it occurs in males and females of all ages, | | | | treatment; this is based on inhaling beta-receptor. An |
| ethnic groups, and socioeconomic levels. | | | | asthma patient should know how to use the device |
| Educating the patient about his or her disease is not | | | | properly to ensure that he or she will take the right |
| hard to do, but unfortunately, it is often neglected in | | | | dosage of drug. |
| the management of asthma as patients depend too | | | | If the asthma attacks are controlled for weeks and |
| much on their doctors. Every doctor encourages their | | | | months, the treatment (in terms of dosage) should |
| asthma patients to monitor their symptoms so he will | | | | be cut down, but should still be done regularly. This |
| know for himself when and how an attack will start. | | | | can be done simply by reducing the last drug that |
| Some doctors even ask their patients to write an | | | | was added from past medications. |
| 'action plan' where they can refer what to do if any | | | | Whether there's a severe or mild attack occurred, a |
| symptoms become worse. This plan includes the | | | | patient must see his or her doctors at least every six |
| increase of medication and the right time to ask for | | | | months to determine any possible improvement or |
| medical help. Over-the-counter remedies are usually | | | | worsening and what its remedies are to control any |
| discouraged by the doctors. | | | | possible severe attacks. |
| An asthma patient should know the nature of his or | | | | It always pays to know more than you need |
| her own asthma, know how to avoid certain attacks | | | | especially on a traitor disease like asthma. Who |
| and of what triggers the attacks. A patient should | | | | knows, you might just save your life on your own. |