How to tell if my asthma is getting worse

How to tell if my asthma is getting worse is something every asthmatic probably wonders about.

The first thing to know is when your asthma is getting worse you will have more coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing in general. If this happens on a regular basis you should be seen by your doctor and given a cortsteriod medication that will help keep your airways open for 12 hours. If taking a cortsteriod and your symptoms are still recurring, then you should have a peak flow meter.

A peak flow meter is an invaluable tool for asthmatics, it will help you know how your breathing is and if your asthma is getting worse. It measures the air flow forced into it. As you record your measurements you will know where to set the 3 bars on it, a green, yellow and red. When your measurement is in the green zone you are breathing at your best. Yellow is a caution zone, it means you should take measures like using your inhaler or nebulizer to help you breathe better. The red zone is your danger zone and if you have used your inhaler and nebulizer are having real trouble breathing then you need to seek medical help immediately. If you are in the yellow zone and you cannot get relief you should also seek medical help immediately. It is too easy to go from one zone to another and it happens fast that ones life can be in danger, so if you feel you have done all you can to breathe, get to the emergency room fast.

It is important to remember asthma is a killer, too many people I know have died because of an asthma attack not to take the signs of it getting worse seriously.

Besides a peak flow meter, you should be in touch with your body, know when you feel you are straining to breathe, or if you are wheezing, coughing more than you normally are for these are signs your asthma is getting worse.

Breathlessness, having trouble breathing when exercising, walking or daily chores are signs also your asthma is not controlled or getting worse. Along with headaches, dizziness and sometimes chest pains in the bronchial area are signs of worsening asthma. These signs should not be overlooked but paid attention to.

Mucous congestion being coughed up, is a sign your airways are plugged up and the body is getting rid of, so it is also a sign of your asthma getting worse. Drinking plenty of water will help thin the congestion making it easier for the body to cough it up. A vaporizer or a steam unit will also help clear up that congestion and tightness in the chest you may feel because of it.

It is important to discuss with your doctor how to know when your asthma is taking a turn for the worse so you will know what to expect and what you need to do for yourself when it does begin to get worse.

Staying calm during an asthma attack is important, the more one tenses up the harder it is to breathe so reamain calm, breathe through your mouth with your lips pursed this will help you breathe better and calm yourself.