Asthma is a disease of the airways in the lungs that can make it difficult to perform daily activities. The good news is that asthma can be controlled and we’re here to help you.
Our program helps our members keep asthma under control. All members with asthma are welcome to participate.
We reach out to members, but you don’t need to wait for us to contact you. If you want to participate, please call member services using the number on your member ID card and ask to be connected to a case manager.
The Asthma Management Team is made up of registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and patient service coordinators. The team promotes healthy behaviors, provides education, makes suggestions for optimal treatment, serves as a support system, and answers questions about asthma.
A home health nurse can even visit members at home if they’ve made repeat hospital visits for asthma. A nurse can help them identify possible triggers in their home and make suggestions to reduce them.
Program Information
Asthma Information
What You Can Do to Take Control
- Take the Asthma Control TestTM.
- Develop an asthma action plan for treating your asthma with your doctor.
- Take your medications and bring them with you when you visit your doctor.
- Get a flu shot (if recommended by your doctor).
- Learn about the Sentara “Stay Smokeless for Life” program.
- For children at school:
- Have an asthma action plan signed by your doctor on file at
school. - Have an inhaler at school for your child’s use, as needed.
- Have an asthma action plan signed by your doctor on file at
Asthma Triggers
An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to certain things in the environment. Some of the most important asthma triggers and actions you can take to counteract them are listed below.
- Environmental Tobacco Smoke– minimize your exposure to secondhand smoke; smokers should never smoke around persons with asthma or places they inhabit
- Dust Mites and Dust – keep your home clean and clutter-free, use mattress and pillow case covers, and don’t use down-filled pillows, quilts or comforters
- Outdoor Air Pollution and Irritants – monitor air quality forecasts and plan activities accordingly; avoid irritants such as perfume, cosmetics, paints, cleaning products, etc
- Cockroach Allergen – keep roach populations under control in your house
- Pets – minimize your exposure to pets, bathe them regularly and keep floors clean
- Mold – keep your home humidity levels low with an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier and fix water leaks
- Emotions – minimize stress and anxiety by using relaxation techniques that work for you
- Exercise – consult your doctor, take your prescribed medications, start gradually and take an active role in controlling your asthma
- Cold and Flu – wash your hands, avoid sick people and get a flu shot, if recommended by your doctor.
- Foods and Additives – avoid foods that trigger attacks and consult your doctor about your diet
- Pollen – stay indoors when pollen counts are high, and avoid activities that increase your exposure to pollen (i.e. yard work)
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). You Can Control Your Asthma. A Guide to Understanding Asthma and its Triggers. Retrieved 08/08 from http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/pdfs/asthma_brochure.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). General Information: You Can Control Your Asthma. Retrieved 08/08 from http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm