Breathing Free: A Treatment Guide For People With ASTHMA

Page 20

Make a note... 1. Always keep your quick-relief medicines with you at work, at home and on vacations. 2. Wait at least 15 to 30 seconds between puffs. 3. If you have to use quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week, your asthma is not in good control. Your asthma action plan is not working. Talk to your doctor about this.

steroids (taken by pill or liquid) Most steroids are inhaled as long-term medicines to prevent flare-ups. But if you are in your yellow or red breathing zone, the doctor may have you take steroids as pills or liquid for several days. These are very

helpful in controlling a severe flare-up.

They may take about 4–12 hours to begin working and should be taken with food. When taking steroids by pill or liquid, you should continue using your inhaled preventive medicines. You should also keep using your quick-relief medicines for fast relief of symptoms. You should never stop taking steroids without your doctor’s advice.

18


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.