Asthma A to Z - Uncontrolled Asthma

If your asthma isn't under control, there will be signs that you must not ignore. Some of the signs that your asthma is getting worse include:

• You have asthma symptoms more often than usual.
• Your asthma symptoms are worse than they used to be.
• Your asthma symptoms are bothering you more at night and making you lose sleep.
• You are missing school or work because of your asthma.
• Your peak flow number is low or varies a great deal from day to day.
• Your asthma medicines don't seem to be as effective as they once were.
• You have to use your short-acting quick-relief inhaler more often. In most cases, using your quick-relief medicine more than twice a week or using more than two quick-relief inhaler canisters per year is considered too much.
• You have to go to the emergency room or your provider's office because of an asthma attack.
• You end up in the hospital because of your asthma.

If your asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent or severe or if they limit your activity, your asthma may not be in optimal control. In addition, asthma symptoms that occur at night more than twice a month is another sign that your asthma is not optimally controlled. See your provider as soon as possible. You may need to change your medicines or take other steps in order to get your asthma under control.