Asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory condition that can affect anyone regardless of age. At its core, this disease involves inflammation and constriction of the airways, making breathing difficult for those affected. The hallmark symptoms—persistent coughing, characteristic wheezing sounds, breathlessness, and tightness in the chest—vary greatly in intensity. These symptoms often fluctuate, appearing and disappearing in patterns unique to each individual. Despite its serious nature, with proper medical intervention and management strategies, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.4
If you’re living with severe asthma, you already know how much it can affect your daily life—from missed work days to nights spent gasping for breath. But what if some of the things you’re doing (or not doing) are actually making your asthma harder to manage?
Here are some of the most common—and often unintentional—mistakes people with severe asthma make, along with how to correct them.
Mistake #1: Skipping Your Maintenance Inhaler
Rescue inhalers like albuterol work fast, but they’re not meant to control long-term inflammation. That’s where daily controller (maintenance) inhalers come in. These typically include inhaled corticosteroids (like fluticasone or budesonide) and are essential for keeping airway inflammation at bay.3
Why it matters: Skipping controller meds can allow inflammation to build silently in the lungs, even when you feel okay. This sets the stage for sudden, severe flare-ups.
According to Global Initiative for Asthma, daily use of controller medications is the backbone of asthma control—especially for moderate to severe cases.2
Mistake #2: Overusing Your Rescue Inhaler
If you’re using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week (excluding exercise), that’s a red flag. It means your asthma may not be well-controlled.1
Why it matters: Over-reliance on rescue inhalers treats symptoms, not the root cause—inflammation. It can also mask worsening lung function, leading to more ER visits.
The American Lung Association warns that frequent use of a rescue inhaler is a sign that your asthma action plan may need adjusting.1
Mistake #3: Not Knowing Your Triggers
From pollen and pet dander to stress and cold air, asthma triggers vary from person to person. But many people with severe asthma can’t name their specific triggers—or don’t take steps to avoid them.4
Why it matters: Repeated exposure to triggers leads to chronic inflammation and frequent exacerbations.
Tip: Start a symptom diary or ask your doctor about allergy testing to help identify and minimize your exposure.4
Mistake #4: Ignoring Early Warning Signs
Symptoms like coughing at night, mild shortness of breath, or waking up with chest tightness often get brushed off. But these are warning signs that your asthma is not well controlled.
Why it matters: Delaying treatment during the early phase of a flare-up can lead to a full-blown asthma attack.
Experts recommend following a written asthma action plan to track symptoms and respond early.3
Mistake #5: Not Seeing a Specialist for Severe Asthma
Severe asthma is different from mild or moderate asthma. It often requires a team approach—possibly including a pulmonologist, allergist, or both. It may also require advanced treatments like biologic medications (e.g., dupilumab, omalizumab).2
Why it matters: Without specialist care, many people don’t get access to these newer therapies that can dramatically improve quality of life.
According to the Global Initiative for Asthma, people with severe asthma should be evaluated for biologic treatment and have regular lung function tests.2
Asthma's Uneven Impact on Black Americans
Research reveals striking disparities in how asthma affects different populations. Black Americans bear a significantly heavier burden, with approximately 50% higher lifetime diagnosis rates compared to other demographic groups. More concerning are the complications they face:1
- Emergency department visits for asthma-related issues occur at five times the rate of other groups.1
- Mortality rates from asthma complications are three times higher.1
- Within the Black community, women and children face even greater risks of fatal asthma episodes than men.1
These statistics highlight how social determinants of health create profound inequities in asthma outcomes across racial lines.
Conclusion
If you’re doing your best but still struggling with asthma, know that it’s not your fault—but there are steps you can take. From using your controller inhaler consistently to seeing a specialist for personalized care, small changes can make a big difference. You deserve to breathe easier—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
For more tips on managing asthma and other health conditions, join NOWINCLUDED’s lung health circle.
References
- American Lung Association. (2024, February 28). The Unequal Burden of Asthma on the Black Community. Retrieved from American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/blog/asthma-burden-on-black-community
- Global Initiative for Asthma. (2024). Global Strategy For Asthma Managment and Prevention.
- Salamon, M. (2024, December 1). Breathtaking asthma control mistakes. Retrieved from Harvard Medical School – Diseases and Conditions: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/breathtaking-asthma-control-mistakes
- WHO. (2024, May 6). Asthma. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
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