What Makes Asthma Worse
Before we talk about asthma control, we need to first talk about what makes asthma worse. People with asthma have several differences in their lungs when compared to the lungs of someone without asthma. You can find these three differences in under the”Asthma Basics” tab. These differences are found in all people with asthma. What makes asthma an individualized disease are the specific “triggers” that affect each person differently. A trigger is something that makes a person’s asthma worse. Common asthma triggers include: cold air, dust, cigarette smoke, exercise, chemicals, pollen, and mold.
Every person is different, and every person with asthma responds to things in the environment in different ways. What triggers an asthma attack in one person may not cause any symptoms in another person. It is important to try and notice what you are exposed to when your asthma tends to get worse. Noticing these patterns can help to identify your own personal asthma triggers. A major part of controlling your asthma is avoiding your personal asthma triggers
Goals of asthma management include:
1. Freedom from frequent or troublesome symptoms of asthma (cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath)
2. Minimal need (≤2 days per week) of inhaled “rescue medication” to relieve symptoms
3. Few night-time awakenings (<2 nights per month) due to asthma
4. Optimization of lung function
5. Minimal to no interference with normal daily activities. No interference in participation in exercise. No interference on work or school attendance.
6. Feeling personally satisfied with asthma control level
The Asthma Control Test
To find out your personal level of asthma control, you can take the Asthma Control Test here: Take the Asthma Control Test (This test is for those over the age of 12)
The Asthma Control Test looks at:
1. How often asthma interferes with daily function
2. How often you experience shortness of breath
3. How frequently night time symptoms wake you up
4. How often you use “rescue” inhalers
5. How you would rate your asthma control
While these results are not diagnostic, it is a tool to gauge asthma control. It serves as a great starting point to have a conversation with your provider regarding your personal level of asthma control.
Achieving Optimal Asthma Control 