Facing Changes in Asthma Control

I was feeling unsure about my recent asthma control. This was a new experience for me. So much of the focus in my asthma control has been about feeling "good enough."

This changed once I found a treatment regimen that allowed me to thrive. The challenge is that this stretch of controlled asthma has come with a few very bothersome side effects. I can usually navigate most side effects, even when I have wanted to throw in the towel, however, I have been struggling with this latest zig zag. I have been trying to determine what should be my next steps or could I feel live with this change in asthma control.

What is well-controlled asthma?

This had me thinking about what I truly considered “well-controlled asthma,” and what it looked like for me while navigating bothersome side effects from asthma medication. Let’s recap how well-controlled asthma can be defined.

The American Lung Association defines well-controlled as when "you experience very few symptoms throughout the day and night and you can perform daily activities without shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing or wheezing."¹

I believe I have lowered my threshold for how I defined well-controlled asthma, to the point in which I was perhaps slipping from my well-controlled status. This issue was feeling two-fold; 

1. Not wanting to acknowledge that my asthma control has changed.
2. Is that I had very few options outside of accepting side effects.

Looking at my recent changes in asthma control

I decided it was time for me to take a closer look at the symptoms and side effects I was experiencing. I have been known to be a poor perceiver, so this was my way of making sure I could quantify what I was experiencing. I first started with tracking everything. I went back to my early diagnosis day and did all the medication tracking, activity tracking, symptoms tracking, and a section for all things related to my biologics. One day, I will transcribe my notes into a spreadsheet but for now, they are in their most accessible place of being in a journal.

What I discovered was that there was not a lot to track at the beginning. I had few symptoms and they were mild at first. They felt more “normal” and I began to carve out some patterns. I noticed that I had some cases in some cases that could be connected to trigger exposure and in others no real reason. 

Reviewing my findings

In consultation with my respirologist, we made some adjustments to see if we could minimize some side effects. It was interesting to see documented downward trends. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. It was a good experiment but unfortunately, it also emphasized that I was not going to be able to adjust a medication that produced bothersome side effects I was experiencing. 

I was disappointed that the overall result meant I was going to have to suck up my side effect symptoms and treat them as best as possible in order to preserve lung function and really keep my asthma controlled. However, having data has helped me keep motivated with my asthma treatment and feel like I am in more control of my asthma.

Have you ever felt at a crossroads with your asthma? What methods have you used to help you gain a new perspective and stay motivated with bothersome treatment?