The Gundersen Lutheran Health Plan Asthma Disease Management program is designed to provide our members who have asthma with information and resources to assist them in managing their asthma. Through this program members receive from us some or all of the following information or services to assist in better controlling their asthma.
- Educational materials and resources to assist in the self-management of asthma
- Recommendations for appropriate lifestyle changes to better control asthma
- Nurse Case Management services (based on severity and risk factors) if needed
If you would like to enroll in the asthma, diabetes or heart failure disease management program, login to Member Services-For You, our protected member portal.
I have Asthma. What can I do?
The best thing you can do is learn as much as you can about asthma and the steps you can take to help reduce flare-ups (“asthma attacks”) and help reduce your risk of developing complications. Other things you can do:
1. Monitor and Manage Asthma Symptoms
It is important to monitor how you are doing. You can determine how well your asthma is being controlled by taking the Asthma Control Test for Children or Asthma Control Test for Adults. This simple tool has been designed to help people assess their asthma control, and it is fast to complete and easily scored.
2. Avoid Asthma Triggers
An asthma trigger is something which causes asthma symptoms to appear. Although specific triggers may vary from person to person, the following are some of the things that may make your asthma worse, and they should be avoided whenever possible.
- Tobacco smoke – quit if you smoke and avoid second hand smoke
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Cockroaches
- Vacuum cleaning – use a dust mask or ask someone else to vacuum
- Indoor mold
- Pollen and outdoor mold
- Smoke strong odors, and sprays
- Exercise or sports – consult with healthcare provider to learn how to safely participate
- Other things such as:
- Sulfites in food (check labels)
- Cold air (cover nose/mouth)
- Other medications (consult provider)
3. Use Asthma Medications Correctly It is important that you learn all about your medications you are taking. You should take the right medicine in the right way, correctly use and care for your inhaler and any other devices you use, and contact your healthcare provider if your medicine is not working like it used to. In general, there are two main kinds of asthma medications:
- Quick Relief: These medications quickly open your airways but last just a few hours. If you are using your quick-relief medication more than several times a week, you may need to also use or have an adjustment made in your “Controller” medication (see below).
- Controller: These medications are used to control asthma over the long term. They prevent, reduce, and reverse swelling in airways. They are taken daily even when you feel well.
4. Have an Asthma Action Plan Develop an Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider specific to your needs. A written asthma action plan is particularly recommended for people who have moderate or severe persistent asthma, a history of severe flare ups, or poorly controlled asthma of any degree of severity. An asthma action plan should include instructions for daily management of your asthma as well as actions to take to manage asthma symptoms that are worsening, particularly if immediate medical care might be required.
5. Learn more about Asthma Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NHLBI/NIH) Asthma1on1 American Lung Association