Asthma is dynamic; it changes. You may go through spells where you’re having all kinds of trouble and finding it hard to keep your asthma controlled. Then, you go through times when you have no problems with it at all. It’s a tricky little booger!

For better or worse, those good times can be almost as dangerous as the times when asthma is acting up. “Huh? How the heck can no problems with asthma be a problem?” you might wonder. It does seem to sort of go against common sense.

But, actually, it is completely true. The problem is that when asthma seems good, people tend to get busy with other things. They have school and sports and friends. Parents have work and housekeeping and bill-paying and more. Many folks will find that since everything seems all right, they don’t feel the need to keep routine asthma check appointments with their doctor. And, to borrow an old line, therein lies the rub.

As I said, asthma is dynamic. It may change, but it never goes away. You’re born with the trait for asthma and it’s always there. When things are bad, when your asthma is flaring up, you know it. But when things are good and there’s no wheezing, coughing, or difficulty with breathing, it may be easy to think it has gone away…or at least doesn’t need attention.

Routine asthma check are essential, though, to help make sure your asthma stays in check. Your healthcare providers can sometimes spot problems before you feel anything. They can help make sure your medications are correct for your current needs; sometimes you might need less medication than you’re currently using. Sometimes, you might need more. They’ll check to make sure you’re using good technique when using your inhaler and/or spacer. They can go over any problems you may be having with getting medications or with insurance to help make sure you’re getting what you need.

Doctors and nurses know that keeping those regular appointments for asthma, your asthma check-ups, can prevent many problems with asthma. They know that it’s way better than waiting until the asthma “hits the fan.” They know that these visits can actually save lives.

So, if your doctor or nurse bugs you to keep asthma check-ups even though things have been good, realize they’re just trying to work with you to make sure you stay stable, that your asthma is well taken care of, and that you can keep doing all the other stuff you love to do.

 
Dr. Gregg
Posted – January 4, 2012