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Asthma Discharge Instructions, Adult


About this topic


Asthma is a lung disease in which the airways are swollen and narrowed. This causes a person to have trouble breathing. Be aware of what causes your asthma attacks so you can avoid it. These can make your asthma worse: ‚  
  • Viral illnesses
  • Exercise
  • Having an allergic reaction to food, drugs, or other substances
  • Contact with things that can bother the lungs. These are things like smoke, dust, pollens, molds, animal hairs, or chemicals.
  • Changes in the weather
  • Untreated gastric reflux


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor may give you an Asthma Action Plan. This will help you know how to treat your asthma and what to do if your signs get worse. Make sure you understand the action plan.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Be aware of what causes your asthma and watch out for the signs.
  • Always have a rescue inhaler with you.
  • Rest when you are feeling tired.
  • The doctor may give you a peak flow meter. This is a small device that shows how well the air moves out of your lungs. Use your peak flow meter often. Your doctor will show you how to use this device.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


  • The doctor may order drugs to:
    • Reduce swelling of the airways in your lungs. This is a quick-acting drug that will help you breathe easier. These are your rescue drugs.
    • Prevent an asthma attack. These are your controller drugs.
  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan to know what drugs to take.

Will physical activity be limited?


If your asthma is well controlled, you should not need to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble during your everyday activities. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Constant coughing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Decreased lung function

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


Asthma cannot be prevented. You can work to prevent asthma attacks. Here are some things that may help: ‚  
  • Learn about what triggers your asthma. Stay away from those things. Common triggers are dust and pollens; scents from candles, detergents, etc; pet hair.
  • Do not smoke. Do not allow others to smoke near you or in the car with you. Smoke can linger on clothes and furniture and cause breathing problems.
  • Treat cough and colds. These can start an asthma attack.
  • Make sure you get a flu shot each year.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing, confusion, sweating, chest tightness, trouble breathing, unable to talk, bad cough, blue skin color, or using extra muscles in the neck, chest, or stomach to breathe. Go to the ER right away.
  • If you need to use your rescue inhaler 2 to 3 times in one week.
  • If it has been 15 minutes since your last treatment and you are not breathing any better.
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you the difference between a rescue drug and a controller drug.
  • I can tell you what I will do if it has been 15 minutes since my last treatment and I am not breathing any better.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I am using my rescue inhaler 2 to 3 times in one week.

Where can I learn more?


Canadian Lung Association ‚  
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme_e.php ‚  
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚  
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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