Family Health

Asthma is a disease that makes it hard to breathe.

Síntomas

• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest tightness.
• Coughing.

Medications

• Quick-relief medicine. Also called rescue medicine, they work fast to relieve asthma symptoms when they happen.
• Long-term control medicine. Also called controller medicines, they help prevent asthma symptoms and should be taken every day, even if you don't have symptoms.

How to control asthma

Keep your asthma under control by:

• Always keeping your rescue medicine with you.
• Avoiding asthma triggers.
• Getting an asthma action plan and following it. Ask your doctor about it if you do not have one.
• Using your peak flow meter and keeping a log. The log will help you see if your asthma is under control.

Sandra Barajas, BA, Bilingual Health Education Specialist

Stay healthy with Community Health Worker and Asthma Preventive Services

Kern Family Health Care members can stay healthy with Community Health Worker (CHW) services! CHWs offer services that can help prevent diseases. CHWs teach you how to manage long-term health problems and find health services. To receive CHW services, you must have a chronic health condition or certain risk factors.

Asthma Preventive Services (APS) show you how to control your asthma. APS providers can check your home for asthma triggers and suggest changes to help you breathe better. To receive APS, you must have a written recommendation from your doctor and poorly controlled asthma.

To request either service, call Member Services at 1.661.632.1590 or 1.800.391.2000.

Categories: Health Education Corner