Whether you have been living with asthma for years or were recently diagnosed, it’s important to stay on top of treatment options. 

“Asthma can be managed effectively if you stay informed and take care of yourself,” says Tidelands Health internal medicine physician Dr. Taylor Polk, who offers care at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common. “When you know the basics about this chronic condition, what triggers you and how to treat it, you can better manage it with help from your health care professional.”

Here are 10 things to know about asthma:

More than 27 million people in the U.S. live with asthma. That’s one in 12 people. While it’s prevalent in adults, 6 percent of children under the age of 18 have asthma.

Asthma rates, deaths and hospitalizations are higher among low-income, senior adults and minority groups. It is a serious global health problem that affects all age groups, impacts workplace productivity and can be very disruptive to day-to-day life.

A flare-up can happen at any time. Triggers like cold weather, indoor and outdoor allergens and cigarette smoke can bring on symptoms. Always be prepared and call 911 in case of emergency. Work collaboratively with your care provider on a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Poor management or undiagnosed asthma can be quite disruptive and even life-threatening. Know your triggers, have a treatment action plan and take medication as prescribed or directed.

Cold, dry air can increase inflammation in the airways, causing an asthma attack. Your heating system can also blow dust and mold around your home, increasing the risk of a flare-up. You can use a humidifier and a HEPA filter to reduce the risk. 

An asthma attack can cause inflammation, over-production of mucus and swollen airways. If you can’t catch your breath, experience chest tightness, your pulse oximeter reads a blood oxygen level below 93 or you are experiencing emergency symptoms, immediately call 911. In 2021, more than 3,500 people lost their lives due to asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Not sure if you’re having an asthma attack or something else? Other conditions like a heart attack, anxiety, over-exertion and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause asthma-like symptoms, which include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. Talk to a qualified care provider about your symptoms and rule out any underlying conditions. In case of emergency, call 911.  

To diagnose asthma, your doctor may review your medical history, conduct a physical examination and perform a lung function test using spirometry. Spirometry measures how much air you breath, how much you exhale and how fast you exhale. 

If you suspect allergens may trigger flare-ups, it’s important to identify and manage allergies so you can try to avoid the triggers. An allergist can conduct skin allergy testing to detect sensitivities. With that information, you can then try to avoid allergens that trigger your asthma symptoms. 

Although there is no cure for asthma, ongoing research and medical progress continue to improve treatment and understanding about this condition. For example, recent guidelines released by the Global Initiative for Asthma now recommend people with asthma use a combination of bronchodilators, a type of medication that opens airways, and anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce inflammation, to better manage asthma.