Treating Asthma: Doctor and Patient Partnership
Treating Asthma: Doctor and Patient Partnership
Want to get your asthma symptoms under control? Start by working closely with your doctor. Here's how.
One big obstacle to controlling asthma is frustration. Coping with a chronic illness can wear you out. You may just get sick of dealing with it.
"People get frustrated with the costs of medicines and they get frustrated with having to take them every day," says Windom. "Sometimes, they just give up on seeing the doctor."
But while the feeling is understandable, you can't afford to take the risk.
"Asthma is a life-threatening disease," Windom tells WebMD. "If you stop going to the doctor, or try treating your condition on your own, it can be very dangerous."
So if you're one of the many people who have surrendered to asthma, it's time to fight back. Don't settle and allow your symptoms to rule your life. Go back to your doctor, or partner with a new specialist. Treatment may also be better than you remember.
"There are so many more treatments now," says Waldron. "If you tried to manage your asthma in the past and didn't have much success, now is the time to try again. There have been a lot of new developments that can really help control the symptoms."
Treating Asthma: Partnering With Your Doctor
Want to get your asthma symptoms under control? Start by working closely with your doctor. Here's how.
Don't Be Afraid to Take Control
One big obstacle to controlling asthma is frustration. Coping with a chronic illness can wear you out. You may just get sick of dealing with it.
"People get frustrated with the costs of medicines and they get frustrated with having to take them every day," says Windom. "Sometimes, they just give up on seeing the doctor."
But while the feeling is understandable, you can't afford to take the risk.
"Asthma is a life-threatening disease," Windom tells WebMD. "If you stop going to the doctor, or try treating your condition on your own, it can be very dangerous."
So if you're one of the many people who have surrendered to asthma, it's time to fight back. Don't settle and allow your symptoms to rule your life. Go back to your doctor, or partner with a new specialist. Treatment may also be better than you remember.
"There are so many more treatments now," says Waldron. "If you tried to manage your asthma in the past and didn't have much success, now is the time to try again. There have been a lot of new developments that can really help control the symptoms."