How to prevent asthma attacks?

Question

Hello doctor,

My inhalers have ceased to function effectively, and I am experiencing problems. I have been waking up each night this week, struggling to breathe. Climbing even a single flight of stairs at work leaves me feeling faint. The pollution from the ongoing construction near my residence is exacerbating my condition. I have attempted to use my nebulizer, but it is no longer providing the relief it once did. My peak flow readings are considerably below normal, and I find myself relying on my rescue inhaler approximately six times a day. With an important presentation scheduled for next week, I am anxious about the possibility of having an asthma attack during it. What steps should I take?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

To gain a clearer understanding of your circumstances, I require more comprehensive information.

Detailed Clinical History

1. Asthma history: Please provide the age at which your asthma began, its severity, any past hospitalizations or admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU), and details of any previous asthma exacerbations.

2. Current symptoms: Outline your present asthma symptoms, including how often they occur, their severity, and any known triggers.

3. Previous treatments: Enumerate any past treatments for asthma, including medications, inhalers, and nebulizers.

Medication Details

Inhalers: Specify all inhalers you are using, including their types (e.g., metered-dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI)), the medications contained, and their dosages.
Nebulizers: Provide details about your nebulizer treatments, including the medication used, dosage, and frequency of use.
Other ongoing medications: List any additional medications you are taking, along with their dosages and frequencies.

Inhaler Technique and Compliance

Inhaler technique: Have you been trained on the correct inhaler technique? Are you utilizing a spacer or a valved holding chamber (VHC)?
Compliance: Are you adhering to your prescribed medication regimen? Are there any obstacles or challenges affecting your adherence?

Comorbid Conditions

Blood glucose: Do you have a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes? What are your current blood glucose levels?
Blood Pressure (BP): What are your latest BP readings?
Oxygen saturation: What are your current oxygen saturation levels?
Temperature: Are you experiencing a fever or elevated temperature?

Revised Plan

Considering your frequent use of rescue inhalers (six times daily), it is essential to reevaluate your treatment strategy.

Adjust medications: We may need to modify your medications, which could include inhalers, nebulizers, or oral medications.
Inhaler technique reevaluation: We will reassess your inhaler technique to ensure it is being used correctly.
Compliance and adherence strategies: We will explore strategies to enhance your compliance and adherence to the treatment plan.
Monitoring and follow-up: We will arrange regular follow-up appointments to track your symptoms, lung function, and overall treatment plan.

Please provide the necessary information to help me better understand your situation and develop a revised treatment plan.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.