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Ask the doctor or nurse to write the instructions for taking your medicines on an Asthma Action Plan. |
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Questions to ask the doctor or nurse:
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Which medicines are preventive medicines and which are quick relief medicines? |
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For each medicine ask:
" How much to take and when to take it.
" How long to take it.
" What are the possible side effects and how to avoid them?
" Is it inhaled medicine, a pill, or a syrup?
" About how much will it cost?
" Can I get two prescriptions so that I can keep one at school?
" How to use your pump or inhaler correctly. |
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Ask for a spacer if any medicines are in a pump. |
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Ask for a peak flow meter and instructions on using it. |
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Ask what to do and who to call if your breathing gets worse and your medicine is not helping. |
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Ask to speak a social worker if you have trouble paying for medicines or doctor's visits, or need help with housing or other issues that effect your asthma. |
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At each visit, the doctor should:
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take a peak flow reading |
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ask you about recent symptoms |
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show you how to use a pump |
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discuss your triggers and how to prevent asthma episodes |
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tell you what to do if you have asthma at school or work |
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tell you how to get in touch if you are having asthma symptoms after the office is closed |
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review your Asthma Action Plan |
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When you go to the doctor, always:
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bring all of your medicines, including home remedies or nonprescription medicines |
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bring your peak flow meter and diary |
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bring your spacer |
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demonstrate how you use your medicines and peak flow meter to make sure you are doing it right |
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Tell your doctor right away if because of asthma, you have:
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missed school or work |
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had symptoms, including waking at night due to coughing |
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gone to the emergency room |
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been hospitalized |
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