Asthma

Peak flow measurements can help show when medication is needed, or other action needs to be taken. Peak flow values of 50-80% of an individual?s personal best indicate a moderate asthma attack, while values below 50% indicate a severe attack.

Support Groups:

The stress caused by illness can often be helped by joining a support group, where members share common experiences and problems. See asthma and allergy - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

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There is no cure for asthma, though symptoms sometimes decrease over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

Complications:

respiratory fatigue
pneumothorax
death
side effects of the medication used

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child experience mild asthma symptoms (to discuss treatment options).

Call your health care provider (or go to the emergency room) for moderate shortness of breath (shortness of breath with talking, peak flow 50-80% of personal best), if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or an attack requires more medication than recommended in the prescription.

Go to the emergency room for severe shortness of breath (shortness of breath at rest, peak flow less than 50% of personal best), if drowsiness or confusion develops, or for severe chest pain.