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Asthma

Living with Asthma:
The Asthma Disease Management/Wellness Program

The asthma disease management/wellness program is free to members and an important step to reducing the severity of asthma symptoms.

Possible long-term benefits of the program:

  • Reduced time missed at work, school or leisure activities
  • Feel better and more active
  • Decreased medical expenses by reducing urgent doctor visits and emergency room visits

The main focus of the program is to educate members about what can trigger an asthma attack. By removing triggers from the environment, members have a better chance of living symptom free.

   

The asthma disease management/wellness program can include:

  • Contact with a nurse case manager
  • Coordination with the member's doctor
  • Educational materials mailed monthly

E-mail us for more information on the asthma disease management/wellness program or call toll-free 1-877-715-7840.

FEP members e-mail here or call toll-free at 1-800-388-4673.

Find valuable information on asthma at these related Web sites:

Health education: Peak flow monitoring for asthma sufferers

Health education: Asthma medications

Learn more about the symptoms of asthma

Asthma symptoms

Asthma is a disease of the airways that affects breathing. During a flare-up or attack, breathing can become very difficult. It is very important to recognize the signs of an asthma attack and take immediate action.

Signs that indicate an asthma flare-up is ABOUT to happen (for children and adults):

  • Breathing is hard and fast
  • Eyes are glassy
  • Face is swollen and/or dark circles under eyes
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • Pale complexion
  • Tired
  • Irritable
  • Scratchy throat
  • Waking up at night
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Change in voice
  • Sweating
  • Running or stuffy nose
  • Fast pulse (heart rate)


 Signs that an asthma flare-up IS happening:
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mucus production

 Signs you should seek emergency medical treatment from a doctor or hospital immediately:
  • It's hard to talk
  • Lips or fingernails turn blue or gray
  • Nose opens wide when breathing
  • Ribs and neck muscles show when breathing in
  • Heart rate or pulse is very fast
  • It's hard to walk
  • Medicine is not helping
  • Quick-relief medicine (usually given in an inhaler) does not help for very long or at all - breathing is still fast and hard

Asthma triggers

Triggers bring on asthma attacks and can be anything in the environment. It is important to know specifically what triggers your attacks so the triggers can be avoided. Every person's triggers are different, so it's important to look closely at situations when attacks happen.

Some common asthma triggers include:

  • Cigarette and other types of smoke - Do not allow smoking in your home and avoid using a wood-burning stove or fireplace
  • Dust - Encase pillows and mattresses in dust-proof covers, wash sheets and blankets each week in hot water, remove carpets from bedroom
  • Furry animals - Keep cats, dogs and feathered pets out of your home
  • Cockroaches - Keep food out of bedrooms and in air-tight containers
  • Mold - Fix leaky faucets and pipes and clean moldy surfaces with a cleaner that contains bleach
  • Strong odors or sprays - Avoid using a kerosene heater and sprays such as perfume, talcum powder and paint
  • Pollen - Stay indoors with windows closed (when possible) during allergy season
  • Exercise or exertion - Warm up for 6 to 10 minutes before exercising and ask your doctor about taking medicine before exercise to avoid symptoms
  • Colds and infections - Try to stay healthy by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and avoiding others who may have a cold
  • Weather - Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold days
  • Stress - Stress can change breathing patterns and trigger an attack. During stressful situations, try to remain calm, slow your breathing and think about something that puts you at ease.

The information provided on BCBSOK's disease management/wellness pages is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or health care services.  Consult with your physician before undertaking any new treatment program, or if you have questions regarding care for a medical condition.