Our office treats many individuals with asthma. One of the most important things that I need to reinforce with my patients is that asthma is a livable condition, but, unless it is controlled properly, and patient understand the warning signs of “when the asthma is out of control”, the situation can turn deadly, very quickly. Fortunately, warning signs are usually present before this ever happens, and an asthmatic can have a normal and productive life.

Here are the warning signs I tell my patients about:

1.   Using your Proventyl inhaler more than usual. If you use it once a day, and now three times a day, the inflammation is the problem, and it’s the inflammation that needs to be addresses.

2.   Asthma, a cough or “tightness” that waked you up at night, especially between 3-5 AM is a warning sign.

3.   Shortness of breath that limits exercise more so than usual.

    This is not meant to be an inclusive list, but are 3 of the more common warning signs that I have seen  in 20 years of practice. Most importantly, talk to us about your asthma, and together we may be able to figure out your particular warning signs and show you ways to keep yourself in optimum health and condition.