SAVE up to
85
%
Brought to you by
on all of your
prescriptions!
Is Your Asthma Under Control?
If you continue to struggle with getting your asthma under control, the first step is to review your asthma plan with your doctor. He or she may watch you use your inhalers to make sure that you are using them in exactly the right way. If adjusting your asthma plan or medicines doesn’t help, you might need to see an asthma expert who can offer more specialized treatment.
Medical School
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology www.aaaai.org/conditions-and -treatments/asthma.aspx
•
Average savings of 47% on prescriptions
American Lung Association
•
Every FDA approved medication is eligible for savings Accepted at 99% of all U.S. pharmacies
www.lung.org/lung-disease/ asthma
•
(Often better pricing than insurance co-pays)
Asthma
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and local pharmacies)
Comparison shop every local pharmacy’s prices online, or by phone, 24/7
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ health-topics/topics/asthma
If your asthma bothers you often, makes it hard to be active, causes low peak flow readings, or often sends you to the emergency room, your asthma is not under control. But if the opposite is true—your asthma symptoms occur rarely, exercise doesn’t trigger symptoms, your peak flow readings are good, and you don’t have severe flare ups—your asthma is well-controlled. Most people can successfully control their asthma with proper treatment. But some will continue to have serious symptoms despite their best efforts. Untreated nasal or sinus problems and GERD (or “heartburn”) may contribute to difficult-to-treat asthma. Others may need special allergy testing to help identify triggers.
Harvard
Additional Resources
This FREE Prescription Discount Card offers...
•
Written by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/asthma
Brought to you by: Attention Pharmacist: This card is activated and entitles the member to all prescription drug benefits associated with the BIN and Group Numbers (per state and federal law.) If you have any issues in processing this card, please call us at 1-877-537-5537 ext. 1
Patient Education Center & Harvard Medical School Patient Education Center 2127 Second Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA 50501
It’s Easy! The Prescription Discount Drug Card works whether or not you have insurance!
1
Cut out your free card above
2
Bring it to the pharmacy
3
Start saving money now!
Call or go online today to have a free permanent plastic card mailed to you. Phone 1.877.537.5535 Web www.DiscountDrugNetwork.com Download the Discount Drug Network free iPhone app.
The #1 prescription discount card on the market!
service@patientedu.org About This Brochure: This brochure was written by practicing physicians from Harvard Medical School. It is part of a series developed and distributed by the Patient Education Center. All the information in this brochure and on the associated Web site (www.patientedu.org) is intended for educational use only; it is not intended to provide, or be a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a physician or other qualified health care professional can provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician on all matters of your personal health. Harvard Medical School, the Patient Education Center, and its affiliates do not endorse any products. Consulting Physician: Anthony L. Komaroff, MD Editorial Director: Keith D’Oria Creative Director: Jon Nichol
www.patientedu.org
© Copyright Harvard Medical School. Printed on 10% post-consumer recycled paper.
Read this brochure online. Scan the QR code or visit:
PEC-PC-ASTH-004
www.patientedu.org/asthma
What Is Asthma?
What Sets Off an Asthma Attack?
Asthma is a lung disease that can make it hard to breathe. Children are more likely to have asthma than adults, but they can sometimes “outgrow” it. Asthma can also start for the first time in adults, and it can be a lasting problem. When you breathe, air travels through your nose and mouth into your lungs. It travels though airways that branch into smaller and smaller branches. In people with asthma, the airways tighten and narrow during an attack, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. Also, the lining of the airways gets irritated and makes mucus, which further blocks the flow of air.
Symptoms People with asthma often breathe normally much of the time. At other times, however, it becomes hard to breathe. You might: • Wheeze (it sounds like a kazoo or mewing kittens when you breathe). • Cough. • Have trouble catching your breath. • Have a lot of mucus. • Feel that your chest is tight. You might have one of these symptoms or a few at the same time. An asthma “attack” or “flare” can come on quickly or slowly, over time. It can be short or last for a while. Sometimes, an asthma attack becomes a life-threatening emergency—that’s why if you have asthma, you need to have an “asthma plan.” An asthma plan tells you how to treat symptoms and should help you avoid an asthma emergency.
Several things (“triggers”) may cause an asthma attack. For example:
Medicine Allergens
• Allergens (dust mites, mold, animal dander, etc.). • Smoke and other fumes.
Do I Have Asthma? If you wheeze, cough a lot, or have trouble breathing, it is important to see your doctor. Think about whether certain things trigger your symptoms because your doctor will ask you about that. The doctor will also ask if others in your family have asthma. Your lungs will be examined and a chest x-ray or other tests may be ordered to see if you are getting enough oxygen in your blood. There are two important tests that can help check for asthma: Spirometry. For this test, you breathe into a machine that measures how strongly and how quickly you exhale as well as how much air you exhale in a breath. If you have active asthma, your numbers will be low. If your numbers are normal, your doctor might suggest other tests.
Viruses
• Viruses and other respiratory infections. • Exercise.
Exercise
• Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD). • Certain medications. • Stress.
Stress
Keep Your Asthma in Control The first step toward keeping you breathing freely is to know what triggers your asthma symptoms. Working with your doctor, you should develop an asthma plan, which gives you step-by-step instructions on how to prevent and treat your symptoms—and when to get medical help. The keys to an asthma plan are to:
Peak flow meter. This test measures how much air flows from your lungs. You can do this test in your doctor’s office as well as at home to monitor your asthma. First, set the needle to zero. Then, take a deep breath in, put your lips tightly on the mouth piece, and breathe out quick and hard. Note how far the needle moves on the scale. Then set it back to zero and repeat the steps twice more. Use the best of the three readings as your peak flow.
• Avoid triggers.
If your peak flow readings get lower, you’ll want to follow the steps in your asthma plan. If you fall below 60% of normal, you’re likely to develop serious problems breathing and need prompt medical care.
• Take action quickly when your symptoms require it.
• Monitor your asthma with a peak flow meter. Everyone with moderate or severe asthma should use a peak flow meter at least once a day. • Take your medicine as prescribed.
Your doctor will prescribe asthma drugs based on the pattern of your symptoms and whether your asthma is mild, moderate, or severe. Two of the most common asthma medicines are inhaled: Steroid inhalers (or “controller”). These drugs ease swelling and irritation of the airways (inflammation). Steroid inhalers can help keep asthma symptoms in check, and help you avoid asthma attacks or flares. You need to use these inhalers every day—often for days, months, or years—even when you are not having asthma attacks.
Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case. Bronchodilators inhalers (or “fast-acting” or “rescue”). These drugs quickly relax the muscles lining the airways. You might use a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack or when you know you’ll be exposed to a trigger. Most people with asthma need both kinds of inhalers. Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case.
What Is Asthma?
What Sets Off an Asthma Attack?
Asthma is a lung disease that can make it hard to breathe. Children are more likely to have asthma than adults, but they can sometimes “outgrow” it. Asthma can also start for the first time in adults, and it can be a lasting problem. When you breathe, air travels through your nose and mouth into your lungs. It travels though airways that branch into smaller and smaller branches. In people with asthma, the airways tighten and narrow during an attack, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. Also, the lining of the airways gets irritated and makes mucus, which further blocks the flow of air.
Symptoms People with asthma often breathe normally much of the time. At other times, however, it becomes hard to breathe. You might: • Wheeze (it sounds like a kazoo or mewing kittens when you breathe). • Cough. • Have trouble catching your breath. • Have a lot of mucus. • Feel that your chest is tight. You might have one of these symptoms or a few at the same time. An asthma “attack” or “flare” can come on quickly or slowly, over time. It can be short or last for a while. Sometimes, an asthma attack becomes a life-threatening emergency—that’s why if you have asthma, you need to have an “asthma plan.” An asthma plan tells you how to treat symptoms and should help you avoid an asthma emergency.
Several things (“triggers”) may cause an asthma attack. For example:
Medicine Allergens
• Allergens (dust mites, mold, animal dander, etc.). • Smoke and other fumes.
Do I Have Asthma? If you wheeze, cough a lot, or have trouble breathing, it is important to see your doctor. Think about whether certain things trigger your symptoms because your doctor will ask you about that. The doctor will also ask if others in your family have asthma. Your lungs will be examined and a chest x-ray or other tests may be ordered to see if you are getting enough oxygen in your blood. There are two important tests that can help check for asthma: Spirometry. For this test, you breathe into a machine that measures how strongly and how quickly you exhale as well as how much air you exhale in a breath. If you have active asthma, your numbers will be low. If your numbers are normal, your doctor might suggest other tests.
Viruses
• Viruses and other respiratory infections. • Exercise.
Exercise
• Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD). • Certain medications. • Stress.
Stress
Keep Your Asthma in Control The first step toward keeping you breathing freely is to know what triggers your asthma symptoms. Working with your doctor, you should develop an asthma plan, which gives you step-by-step instructions on how to prevent and treat your symptoms—and when to get medical help. The keys to an asthma plan are to:
Peak flow meter. This test measures how much air flows from your lungs. You can do this test in your doctor’s office as well as at home to monitor your asthma. First, set the needle to zero. Then, take a deep breath in, put your lips tightly on the mouth piece, and breathe out quick and hard. Note how far the needle moves on the scale. Then set it back to zero and repeat the steps twice more. Use the best of the three readings as your peak flow.
• Avoid triggers.
If your peak flow readings get lower, you’ll want to follow the steps in your asthma plan. If you fall below 60% of normal, you’re likely to develop serious problems breathing and need prompt medical care.
• Take action quickly when your symptoms require it.
• Monitor your asthma with a peak flow meter. Everyone with moderate or severe asthma should use a peak flow meter at least once a day. • Take your medicine as prescribed.
Your doctor will prescribe asthma drugs based on the pattern of your symptoms and whether your asthma is mild, moderate, or severe. Two of the most common asthma medicines are inhaled: Steroid inhalers (or “controller”). These drugs ease swelling and irritation of the airways (inflammation). Steroid inhalers can help keep asthma symptoms in check, and help you avoid asthma attacks or flares. You need to use these inhalers every day—often for days, months, or years—even when you are not having asthma attacks.
Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case. Bronchodilators inhalers (or “fast-acting” or “rescue”). These drugs quickly relax the muscles lining the airways. You might use a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack or when you know you’ll be exposed to a trigger. Most people with asthma need both kinds of inhalers. Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case.
What Is Asthma?
What Sets Off an Asthma Attack?
Asthma is a lung disease that can make it hard to breathe. Children are more likely to have asthma than adults, but they can sometimes “outgrow” it. Asthma can also start for the first time in adults, and it can be a lasting problem. When you breathe, air travels through your nose and mouth into your lungs. It travels though airways that branch into smaller and smaller branches. In people with asthma, the airways tighten and narrow during an attack, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. Also, the lining of the airways gets irritated and makes mucus, which further blocks the flow of air.
Symptoms People with asthma often breathe normally much of the time. At other times, however, it becomes hard to breathe. You might: • Wheeze (it sounds like a kazoo or mewing kittens when you breathe). • Cough. • Have trouble catching your breath. • Have a lot of mucus. • Feel that your chest is tight. You might have one of these symptoms or a few at the same time. An asthma “attack” or “flare” can come on quickly or slowly, over time. It can be short or last for a while. Sometimes, an asthma attack becomes a life-threatening emergency—that’s why if you have asthma, you need to have an “asthma plan.” An asthma plan tells you how to treat symptoms and should help you avoid an asthma emergency.
Several things (“triggers”) may cause an asthma attack. For example:
Medicine Allergens
• Allergens (dust mites, mold, animal dander, etc.). • Smoke and other fumes.
Do I Have Asthma? If you wheeze, cough a lot, or have trouble breathing, it is important to see your doctor. Think about whether certain things trigger your symptoms because your doctor will ask you about that. The doctor will also ask if others in your family have asthma. Your lungs will be examined and a chest x-ray or other tests may be ordered to see if you are getting enough oxygen in your blood. There are two important tests that can help check for asthma: Spirometry. For this test, you breathe into a machine that measures how strongly and how quickly you exhale as well as how much air you exhale in a breath. If you have active asthma, your numbers will be low. If your numbers are normal, your doctor might suggest other tests.
Viruses
• Viruses and other respiratory infections. • Exercise.
Exercise
• Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD). • Certain medications. • Stress.
Stress
Keep Your Asthma in Control The first step toward keeping you breathing freely is to know what triggers your asthma symptoms. Working with your doctor, you should develop an asthma plan, which gives you step-by-step instructions on how to prevent and treat your symptoms—and when to get medical help. The keys to an asthma plan are to:
Peak flow meter. This test measures how much air flows from your lungs. You can do this test in your doctor’s office as well as at home to monitor your asthma. First, set the needle to zero. Then, take a deep breath in, put your lips tightly on the mouth piece, and breathe out quick and hard. Note how far the needle moves on the scale. Then set it back to zero and repeat the steps twice more. Use the best of the three readings as your peak flow.
• Avoid triggers.
If your peak flow readings get lower, you’ll want to follow the steps in your asthma plan. If you fall below 60% of normal, you’re likely to develop serious problems breathing and need prompt medical care.
• Take action quickly when your symptoms require it.
• Monitor your asthma with a peak flow meter. Everyone with moderate or severe asthma should use a peak flow meter at least once a day. • Take your medicine as prescribed.
Your doctor will prescribe asthma drugs based on the pattern of your symptoms and whether your asthma is mild, moderate, or severe. Two of the most common asthma medicines are inhaled: Steroid inhalers (or “controller”). These drugs ease swelling and irritation of the airways (inflammation). Steroid inhalers can help keep asthma symptoms in check, and help you avoid asthma attacks or flares. You need to use these inhalers every day—often for days, months, or years—even when you are not having asthma attacks.
Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case. Bronchodilators inhalers (or “fast-acting” or “rescue”). These drugs quickly relax the muscles lining the airways. You might use a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack or when you know you’ll be exposed to a trigger. Most people with asthma need both kinds of inhalers. Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case.
What Is Asthma?
What Sets Off an Asthma Attack?
Asthma is a lung disease that can make it hard to breathe. Children are more likely to have asthma than adults, but they can sometimes “outgrow” it. Asthma can also start for the first time in adults, and it can be a lasting problem. When you breathe, air travels through your nose and mouth into your lungs. It travels though airways that branch into smaller and smaller branches. In people with asthma, the airways tighten and narrow during an attack, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. Also, the lining of the airways gets irritated and makes mucus, which further blocks the flow of air.
Symptoms People with asthma often breathe normally much of the time. At other times, however, it becomes hard to breathe. You might: • Wheeze (it sounds like a kazoo or mewing kittens when you breathe). • Cough. • Have trouble catching your breath. • Have a lot of mucus. • Feel that your chest is tight. You might have one of these symptoms or a few at the same time. An asthma “attack” or “flare” can come on quickly or slowly, over time. It can be short or last for a while. Sometimes, an asthma attack becomes a life-threatening emergency—that’s why if you have asthma, you need to have an “asthma plan.” An asthma plan tells you how to treat symptoms and should help you avoid an asthma emergency.
Several things (“triggers”) may cause an asthma attack. For example:
Medicine Allergens
• Allergens (dust mites, mold, animal dander, etc.). • Smoke and other fumes.
Do I Have Asthma? If you wheeze, cough a lot, or have trouble breathing, it is important to see your doctor. Think about whether certain things trigger your symptoms because your doctor will ask you about that. The doctor will also ask if others in your family have asthma. Your lungs will be examined and a chest x-ray or other tests may be ordered to see if you are getting enough oxygen in your blood. There are two important tests that can help check for asthma: Spirometry. For this test, you breathe into a machine that measures how strongly and how quickly you exhale as well as how much air you exhale in a breath. If you have active asthma, your numbers will be low. If your numbers are normal, your doctor might suggest other tests.
Viruses
• Viruses and other respiratory infections. • Exercise.
Exercise
• Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD). • Certain medications. • Stress.
Stress
Keep Your Asthma in Control The first step toward keeping you breathing freely is to know what triggers your asthma symptoms. Working with your doctor, you should develop an asthma plan, which gives you step-by-step instructions on how to prevent and treat your symptoms—and when to get medical help. The keys to an asthma plan are to:
Peak flow meter. This test measures how much air flows from your lungs. You can do this test in your doctor’s office as well as at home to monitor your asthma. First, set the needle to zero. Then, take a deep breath in, put your lips tightly on the mouth piece, and breathe out quick and hard. Note how far the needle moves on the scale. Then set it back to zero and repeat the steps twice more. Use the best of the three readings as your peak flow.
• Avoid triggers.
If your peak flow readings get lower, you’ll want to follow the steps in your asthma plan. If you fall below 60% of normal, you’re likely to develop serious problems breathing and need prompt medical care.
• Take action quickly when your symptoms require it.
• Monitor your asthma with a peak flow meter. Everyone with moderate or severe asthma should use a peak flow meter at least once a day. • Take your medicine as prescribed.
Your doctor will prescribe asthma drugs based on the pattern of your symptoms and whether your asthma is mild, moderate, or severe. Two of the most common asthma medicines are inhaled: Steroid inhalers (or “controller”). These drugs ease swelling and irritation of the airways (inflammation). Steroid inhalers can help keep asthma symptoms in check, and help you avoid asthma attacks or flares. You need to use these inhalers every day—often for days, months, or years—even when you are not having asthma attacks.
Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case. Bronchodilators inhalers (or “fast-acting” or “rescue”). These drugs quickly relax the muscles lining the airways. You might use a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack or when you know you’ll be exposed to a trigger. Most people with asthma need both kinds of inhalers. Everyone with asthma should have a “rescue” inhaler handy at all times, just in case.
SAVE up to
85
%
Brought to you by
on all of your
prescriptions!
Is Your Asthma Under Control?
If you continue to struggle with getting your asthma under control, the first step is to review your asthma plan with your doctor. He or she may watch you use your inhalers to make sure that you are using them in exactly the right way. If adjusting your asthma plan or medicines doesn’t help, you might need to see an asthma expert who can offer more specialized treatment.
Medical School
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology www.aaaai.org/conditions-and -treatments/asthma.aspx
•
Average savings of 47% on prescriptions
American Lung Association
•
Every FDA approved medication is eligible for savings Accepted at 99% of all U.S. pharmacies
www.lung.org/lung-disease/ asthma
•
(Often better pricing than insurance co-pays)
Asthma
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and local pharmacies)
Comparison shop every local pharmacy’s prices online, or by phone, 24/7
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ health-topics/topics/asthma
If your asthma bothers you often, makes it hard to be active, causes low peak flow readings, or often sends you to the emergency room, your asthma is not under control. But if the opposite is true—your asthma symptoms occur rarely, exercise doesn’t trigger symptoms, your peak flow readings are good, and you don’t have severe flare ups—your asthma is well-controlled. Most people can successfully control their asthma with proper treatment. But some will continue to have serious symptoms despite their best efforts. Untreated nasal or sinus problems and GERD (or “heartburn”) may contribute to difficult-to-treat asthma. Others may need special allergy testing to help identify triggers.
Harvard
Additional Resources
This FREE Prescription Discount Card offers...
•
Written by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/asthma
Brought to you by: Attention Pharmacist: This card is activated and entitles the member to all prescription drug benefits associated with the BIN and Group Numbers (per state and federal law.) If you have any issues in processing this card, please call us at 1-877-537-5537 ext. 1
Patient Education Center & Harvard Medical School Patient Education Center 2127 Second Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA 50501
It’s Easy! The Prescription Discount Drug Card works whether or not you have insurance!
1
Cut out your free card above
2
Bring it to the pharmacy
3
Start saving money now!
Call or go online today to have a free permanent plastic card mailed to you. Phone 1.877.537.5535 Web www.DiscountDrugNetwork.com Download the Discount Drug Network free iPhone app.
The #1 prescription discount card on the market!
service@patientedu.org About This Brochure: This brochure was written by practicing physicians from Harvard Medical School. It is part of a series developed and distributed by the Patient Education Center. All the information in this brochure and on the associated Web site (www.patientedu.org) is intended for educational use only; it is not intended to provide, or be a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a physician or other qualified health care professional can provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician on all matters of your personal health. Harvard Medical School, the Patient Education Center, and its affiliates do not endorse any products. Consulting Physician: Anthony L. Komaroff, MD Editorial Director: Keith D’Oria Creative Director: Jon Nichol
www.patientedu.org
© Copyright Harvard Medical School. Printed on 10% post-consumer recycled paper.
Read this brochure online. Scan the QR code or visit:
PEC-PC-ASTH-004
www.patientedu.org/asthma
SAVE up to
85
%
Brought to you by
on all of your
prescriptions!
Is Your Asthma Under Control?
If you continue to struggle with getting your asthma under control, the first step is to review your asthma plan with your doctor. He or she may watch you use your inhalers to make sure that you are using them in exactly the right way. If adjusting your asthma plan or medicines doesn’t help, you might need to see an asthma expert who can offer more specialized treatment.
Medical School
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology www.aaaai.org/conditions-and -treatments/asthma.aspx
•
Average savings of 47% on prescriptions
American Lung Association
•
Every FDA approved medication is eligible for savings Accepted at 99% of all U.S. pharmacies
www.lung.org/lung-disease/ asthma
•
(Often better pricing than insurance co-pays)
Asthma
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and local pharmacies)
Comparison shop every local pharmacy’s prices online, or by phone, 24/7
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ health-topics/topics/asthma
If your asthma bothers you often, makes it hard to be active, causes low peak flow readings, or often sends you to the emergency room, your asthma is not under control. But if the opposite is true—your asthma symptoms occur rarely, exercise doesn’t trigger symptoms, your peak flow readings are good, and you don’t have severe flare ups—your asthma is well-controlled. Most people can successfully control their asthma with proper treatment. But some will continue to have serious symptoms despite their best efforts. Untreated nasal or sinus problems and GERD (or “heartburn”) may contribute to difficult-to-treat asthma. Others may need special allergy testing to help identify triggers.
Harvard
Additional Resources
This FREE Prescription Discount Card offers...
•
Written by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/asthma
Brought to you by: Attention Pharmacist: This card is activated and entitles the member to all prescription drug benefits associated with the BIN and Group Numbers (per state and federal law.) If you have any issues in processing this card, please call us at 1-877-537-5537 ext. 1
Patient Education Center & Harvard Medical School Patient Education Center 2127 Second Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA 50501
It’s Easy! The Prescription Discount Drug Card works whether or not you have insurance!
1
Cut out your free card above
2
Bring it to the pharmacy
3
Start saving money now!
Call or go online today to have a free permanent plastic card mailed to you. Phone 1.877.537.5535 Web www.DiscountDrugNetwork.com Download the Discount Drug Network free iPhone app.
The #1 prescription discount card on the market!
service@patientedu.org About This Brochure: This brochure was written by practicing physicians from Harvard Medical School. It is part of a series developed and distributed by the Patient Education Center. All the information in this brochure and on the associated Web site (www.patientedu.org) is intended for educational use only; it is not intended to provide, or be a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a physician or other qualified health care professional can provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician on all matters of your personal health. Harvard Medical School, the Patient Education Center, and its affiliates do not endorse any products. Consulting Physician: Anthony L. Komaroff, MD Editorial Director: Keith D’Oria Creative Director: Jon Nichol
www.patientedu.org
© Copyright Harvard Medical School. Printed on 10% post-consumer recycled paper.
Read this brochure online. Scan the QR code or visit:
PEC-PC-ASTH-004
www.patientedu.org/asthma
SAVE up to
85
%
Brought to you by
on all of your
prescriptions!
Is Your Asthma Under Control?
If you continue to struggle with getting your asthma under control, the first step is to review your asthma plan with your doctor. He or she may watch you use your inhalers to make sure that you are using them in exactly the right way. If adjusting your asthma plan or medicines doesn’t help, you might need to see an asthma expert who can offer more specialized treatment.
Medical School
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology www.aaaai.org/conditions-and -treatments/asthma.aspx
•
Average savings of 47% on prescriptions
American Lung Association
•
Every FDA approved medication is eligible for savings Accepted at 99% of all U.S. pharmacies
www.lung.org/lung-disease/ asthma
•
(Often better pricing than insurance co-pays)
Asthma
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and local pharmacies)
Comparison shop every local pharmacy’s prices online, or by phone, 24/7
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ health-topics/topics/asthma
If your asthma bothers you often, makes it hard to be active, causes low peak flow readings, or often sends you to the emergency room, your asthma is not under control. But if the opposite is true—your asthma symptoms occur rarely, exercise doesn’t trigger symptoms, your peak flow readings are good, and you don’t have severe flare ups—your asthma is well-controlled. Most people can successfully control their asthma with proper treatment. But some will continue to have serious symptoms despite their best efforts. Untreated nasal or sinus problems and GERD (or “heartburn”) may contribute to difficult-to-treat asthma. Others may need special allergy testing to help identify triggers.
Harvard
Additional Resources
This FREE Prescription Discount Card offers...
•
Written by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/asthma
Brought to you by: Attention Pharmacist: This card is activated and entitles the member to all prescription drug benefits associated with the BIN and Group Numbers (per state and federal law.) If you have any issues in processing this card, please call us at 1-877-537-5537 ext. 1
Patient Education Center & Harvard Medical School Patient Education Center 2127 Second Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA 50501
It’s Easy! The Prescription Discount Drug Card works whether or not you have insurance!
1
Cut out your free card above
2
Bring it to the pharmacy
3
Start saving money now!
Call or go online today to have a free permanent plastic card mailed to you. Phone 1.877.537.5535 Web www.DiscountDrugNetwork.com Download the Discount Drug Network free iPhone app.
The #1 prescription discount card on the market!
service@patientedu.org About This Brochure: This brochure was written by practicing physicians from Harvard Medical School. It is part of a series developed and distributed by the Patient Education Center. All the information in this brochure and on the associated Web site (www.patientedu.org) is intended for educational use only; it is not intended to provide, or be a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a physician or other qualified health care professional can provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician on all matters of your personal health. Harvard Medical School, the Patient Education Center, and its affiliates do not endorse any products. Consulting Physician: Anthony L. Komaroff, MD Editorial Director: Keith D’Oria Creative Director: Jon Nichol
www.patientedu.org
© Copyright Harvard Medical School. Printed on 10% post-consumer recycled paper.
Read this brochure online. Scan the QR code or visit:
PEC-PC-ASTH-004
www.patientedu.org/asthma