More than 25 million adults and children are living with asthma. However, with the right treatment, most people can manage their asthma well so that it doesn't diminish their quality of life.
While asthma can be managed with proper treatment, it's essential to recognize the symptoms you may need better control. Board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Prabhdeep Singh works closely with patients to manage their asthma. If you're struggling with symptoms, Dr. Singh can help you get to feeling and functioning better.
In this post, our experts discuss symptoms that indicate a need for better asthma control.
When asthma is well-controlled, you experience fewer symptoms and will have fewer flare-ups. As a result, you may have little or no need for quick-relief medication and can participate in normal physical activity without difficulty.
Lung function tests like spirometry will show normal or near-normal results. Additionally, you won't have nighttime symptoms or experience interruptions to your daily activities due to your asthma.
Overall, when your asthma is well-controlled, you should feel like it isn’t significantly impacting your daily life. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs that your asthma needs better control. Here’s what to look out for:
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe in and out. While wheezing is a common asthma symptom, you shouldn’t have frequent wheezing if your asthma is well-controlled.
Coughing is a common symptom of asthma; if you cough a lot, you likely need better asthma control. Persistent coughing is an annoyance and can lead to a sore throat, hoarse voice, and even chest pain.
If your symptoms are getting worse in any way, despite using your inhaler or other asthma medications, you may need a different treatment plan to control your asthma better.
If you struggle to breathe often, it's wise to check in with a medical professional. It may feel like you can't catch your breath and have difficulty completing regular activities such as climbing stairs, walking, or exercising.
Using your inhaler more frequently is a telltale sign that your asthma isn't well-controlled. Overusing the inhaler can lead to worsening symptoms and may require a higher dose of medication.
Proper treatment can help manage asthma symptoms and improve your quality of life. Recognizing the signs of worsening symptoms and seeking treatment early can help prevent serious complications and manage your asthma more effectively.
If you're struggling with asthma symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh to discuss how our team can help you gain better control over your asthma. Call our El Centro, California office or book your request online today. Better asthma management is possible!
