We’re here to help you breathe easier with asthma.

We understand that for many of our patients, tackling day-to-day life with asthma can be difficult. That’s where our Munster, IN and Olympia Fields, IL, otolaryngologist Dr. Arthur Katz can help you get your asthma symptoms under control with proper lifestyle modifications and medications. You can lead a full, healthy, and fulfilling life with asthma. Here’s what you should know about coping with this chronic respiratory disorder.

Know your triggers

It’s incredibly important that you understand what triggers your asthma, from exercise and cold weather to pet dander and pollen. This way you can better protect yourself from an asthma attack. If you’re having trouble pinpointing your asthma triggers, our Munster, IN, and Olympia Fields, IL, ENT doctor can help.

Know how to use your medications properly

You would be surprised to learn how many people with asthma aren’t using their medications properly. Most patients will be given a controller medication that they will need to use every day, along with a rescue inhaler that should only be used when symptoms of an asthma attack first appear. The three most common mistakes we see when it comes to using asthma medication are,

• People not using their everyday medication because they aren’t experiencing symptoms (you need to still use this medication every day regardless of whether you are noticing chest tightness or other symptoms unless otherwise instructed by your doctor)
• People not shaking their rescue inhalers prior to using them (it’s important to shake them for at least 30 seconds before using them)
• People not carrying their rescue inhaler with them at all times (you never know when an attack might strike and it’s important to be prepared)

Have a clear-cut asthma action plan

Everyone, regardless of age, should have a detailed and thorough outline of exactly how to address their asthma symptoms, along with actions that the person and their family will need to take when these symptoms appear. While the CDC certainly provides great tips for creating an asthma action plan, you will also want to create this plan specifically with your asthma specialist.

Are you looking for an ENT doctor that can treat your asthma symptoms? If so, call our Munster, IN, and Olympia Fields, IL offices to schedule an appointment at (219) 934-9396 and (708) 747-6900.