ASTHMA

Living with Severe Asthma

More than 25 million American’s are living with asthma. This includes 5.5 million children. While anyone can develop the condition, asthma is more common in female adults than male adults. In fact, around 9.7% of female adults have asthma, compared to 6.2% of male adults.

While asthma may indeed be a chronic (life-long) condition, it doesn’t have to rule one’s life. By organizing treatment details and medications, and applying layers of precaution, like back up medications and a medical ID, will help you feel at ease knowing effective treatment and help are at your fingertips.

Like our member, Diane – she understands that her asthma is something she can’t always control, but knows the importance of always being prepared, and that’s why she choose MedicAlert.

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About Asthma

Learn more about this condition on the medical conditions page.

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When asthma strikes, preparation can save a life

Though asthma can strike anytime, like Diane’s experience at a family gathering told below, knowing your triggers and having a plan can make all the difference.

“For years, my asthma has hindered many outdoor activities I’d love to experience”, says Diane, “At times when I would have allergy and asthma flare-ups, I would miss out on my kid’s soccer and softball events. I was always too scared to go hiking and fishing with my husband, in fear of triggering an asthma attack. I always have my inhaler close by, especially during the change in seasons.”

“Last summer I experienced the most severe asthma attack I’ve had in years while at my nephew’s track meet,” explains Diane. “With the sun beating down, I decided to leave the bleachers and stand under a willow tree to enjoy some shade before his next race.”

“After a short while I began to feel my chest tighten and slowly began to have difficulty breathing,” she says. “As I reached for my inhaler, I realized I left it inside my purse with my husband up in the bleachers.”

Diane remembers how panic had already started to set in as she quickly reached for her phone in her back pocket to call her husband.

“When he answered,” she said, “I was barely able to speak, so he immediately knew something was wrong. Thankfully I told him where I was going for shade when I left the bleachers because he instantly headed my way.”

“There were paramedics on standby at the event and they arrived moments after my husband had flagged them down,” says Diane. “My face was pale and my lips had started turning a bluish color. The paramedics had seen my MedicAlert bracelet when checking my pulse, which has my asthma condition, penicillin allergy, and Coumadin engraved.”

Diane’s MedicAlert ID notified the first responders and were able to give her prompt and appropriate care, but when they called the 24/7 emergency hotline we were able to relay Diane’s full medical history.

“I am forever grateful to MedicAlert and the paramedics for the care they gave me,” says Diane. “Thank you, MedicAlert for being there when I needed you most.”

“Thanks to MedicAlert, I can be an active mom while living with severe asthma because I know someone will always have my information should an emergency happen.”

Diane, MedicAlert Member since 1993

Causes of asthma

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that the exact cause of asthma is unknown. However, there a number of risk factors that have the potential to increase your chances of developing asthma, or worsen existing asthma. Examples include being a smoker or exposure to secondhand smoke, having a relative with asthma, exposure to chemicals in the workplace, being overweight, having another condition such as hay fever or atopic dermatitis, and exposure to air pollution.

So in addition to having backup meds, backup support via a medical ID, it’s a great idea to minimize any factors in your life that could possibly exacerbate asthma.

Inhalers: The more the merrier with this go-to asthma treatment!

In Diane’s experience having multiple inhalers is the primary action she’s found increases her safety and sense of peace. It’s always a good idea to have more than just 1 or 2 inhalers around. Especially if you don’t carry the same bag every day, make sure you have a backup inhaler in your car, at any friend or family member’s homes; any place you regularly go where you can stow an extra inhaler is probably the simplest thing you can do to enhance safety and peace of mind.

How do inhalers work?

Inhaled corticosteroids are considered the most effective long-term usage medication to control and manage asthma. Delivered directly into the lungs through a device known as an inhaler, the medication works by reducing swelling and tightening in the airways. According to Mayo Clinic, regular use of inhaled corticosteroids helps keep asthma attacks in check.

Examples of inhaled corticosteroids include:

Fluticasone (Flovent HFA, Arnuity Ellipta, others)
Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)
Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler)
Ciclesonide (Alvesco)

It can take several months of regular use to get the maximum benefit from using an inhaler. In general, inhaled corticosteroids do not cause serious side effects. Like a MedicAlert medical ID, an inhaler can help save your life, so nurture yourself by stocking up on a few extra. This especially true for people living with severe asthma.

Facts About Asthma

Nearly 21 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older have asthma

Asthma is more common in female adults than male adults.

Around 9.7% of female adults have asthma, compared to 6.2% of male adults

Source: AAFA.ORG

What are other treatments for people living with severe asthma?

An inhaler is the most common treatment for asthma. However, corticosteroids can be taken as a pill to prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), biologic medicines such as benralizumab may be prescribed for severe asthma. These medicines are injected below the skin or into a vein.

Your doctor may also prescribe leukotriene modifiers to reduce swelling and keep your airways open.

Taken in pill form, this medication may be prescribed alone or with steroid medicine. For individuals who know and understand their triggers, inhaled mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn, can help prevent swelling in the airways when you’re around airborne allergens or other triggers.

In some cases, your doctor may add inhaled long-acting bronchodilators to your inhaler to prevent your airways from narrowing.

Examples include long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs). Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or “allergy shots,” may also help reduce the body’s response to allergens.

For people who experience the most severe asthma attacks, an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) is often used as a first-line emergency treatment. An EpiPen works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and reversing rapid and dangerous drops in blood pressure.

How can MedicAlert help someone living with severe asthma?

While asthma triggers can vary by person, the AAFA states that the most common triggers include allergies, air pollution, and other airborne irritants; health conditions, including respiratory infections; exercise or physical activity; weather and air temperature; strong emotions; and even some medicines.

Although it’s impossible to identify every trigger, safely living with asthma is possible. You can manage asthma by being vigilant, carrying an inhaler (if prescribed), and wearing an asthma medical ID such as a MedicAlert medical ID.

A MedicAlert ID and protection plan for severe asthma can play an important role in managing your condition. This is especially true in an emergency. A MedicAlert ID and protection plan can be your voice if you are unable to communicate critical information about your condition to first responders, ER doctors, and hospital staff in an emergency.

Our Safe & Protected plan is the smart choice for people living with severe asthma. It provides:

24/7 emergency response team to relay vital information to first responders, ensuring safe and accurate care.
Designated physician and emergency contact notification.
Digital health profile of asthma triggers and allergies, medications, and auto-injectable devices, such as an EpiPen – all in one place.
Personal document storage.
Printable detailed profile for medical appointments.

Living with severe asthma doesn’t have to slow you down. Start living life to the fullest without worry. Order your asthma medical ID from MedicAlert today and start enjoying the protection of our 24/7 support.

Read other member stories here.