Asthma

Managing Moderate to Severe Asthma: Breathing Easier with the Right Support

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it harder to breathe. While millions of people in the U.S. live with asthma, some experience more intense, frequent symptoms—classified as moderate to severe asthma. The good news? With the right treatment, many people lead healthy, active lives.

What Is Moderate to Severe Asthma?

Asthma triggers inflammation in the lungs and tightens the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. When symptoms occur often or don’t improve despite medication, the condition is considered moderate or severe.

Common triggers include:

  • Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold

  • Exercise or cold air

  • Smoke, pollution, or strong odors

  • Respiratory infections

Types of Asthma

Asthma severity is generally classified into four categories:

  1. Intermittent Asthma: Symptoms occur no more than twice a week; minimal daily impact

  2. Mild Persistent Asthma: Symptoms more than twice a week, with occasional activity disruptions

  3. Moderate Persistent Asthma: Daily symptoms that affect sleep, activity, and well-being

  4. Severe Persistent Asthma: Frequent, intense symptoms with significant limitations in daily life—even with treatment

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms can appear suddenly and vary in intensity. Common signs of moderate to severe asthma include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Chest tightness or pain

  • Frequent coughing or wheezing (especially at night)

  • Rapid or shallow breathing

  • Asthma attacks

  • Blue-tinged lips, face, or fingernails (a sign of low oxygen)

Treatment and Management

Moderate to severe asthma can be managed with:

  • Long-term controller medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids or biologics)

  • Rescue inhalers for quick relief during flare-ups

  • Allergy treatment or trigger avoidance strategies

  • Regular follow-ups and lung function tests with your care team

Creating an asthma action plan with your provider helps you recognize symptoms early, adjust medications when needed, and prevent severe attacks.

✅ Moderate to Severe Asthma: Patient Treatment Checklist

Getting Started:

  • [ ] Confirm asthma severity level with your healthcare provider

  • [ ] Undergo lung function testing (e.g., spirometry or peak flow)

  • [ ] Identify personal asthma triggers (e.g., allergens, smoke, exercise)

  • [ ] Review all current medications, including rescue and maintenance inhalers

  • [ ] Develop an Asthma Action Plan tailored to your needs

Daily Medication Routine:

  • [ ] Take maintenance/controller medications as prescribed (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids or biologics)

  • [ ] Carry a rescue inhaler (quick relief) and know how/when to use it

  • [ ] Use a spacer device if recommended for better inhaler delivery

  • [ ] Set daily reminders or use a medication tracker

  • [ ] Refill prescriptions before running out

Lifestyle & Prevention:

  • [ ] Avoid known environmental or allergen triggers

  • [ ] Stay physically active (with precautions as advised)

  • [ ] Get an annual flu shot and stay current on other vaccinations

  • [ ] Follow a healthy, balanced diet and hydrate regularly

  • [ ] Clean home regularly to reduce dust, mold, or pet dander

Monitoring & Emergency Readiness:

  • [ ] Track symptoms and peak flow readings (if using a meter)

  • [ ] Recognize signs of worsening asthma (e.g., frequent rescue inhaler use, nighttime symptoms)

  • [ ] Know when to seek emergency care (blue lips, chest tightness, labored breathing)

  • [ ] Review your Asthma Action Plan with your doctor every 6–12 months

  • [ ] Connect with your specialty pharmacy for medication support and education

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