Breathe Easier with Regence Condition Manager
About 1 in 12 Americans have asthma—and they may have difficulty breathing today. Something in the air, like pollen, smoke or pollution could make it hard for them to breathe. Or, their airways could become constricted by changes in the weather, or an emotional situation or physical activity, depending on the type of asthma they have.
An asthma attack happens when the airways tighten or inflame. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, pain or pressure. These symptoms can vary from one attack to another, and may range from mild (lasting a few minutes to a few hours) to severe (requiring immediate medical help). They may occur every day or once in a while.
Regence Condition Manager Can Help
Asthma is a chronic condition with no cure, but with proper treatment, people who live with it can be active and healthy. A doctor can prescribe medications to help prevent further breathing problems. And, people can learn to minimize the symptoms by recognizing the warning signs of an attack and avoiding things that trigger symptoms.
If you have asthma, Regence Condition Manager can help you feel better more often. The program is free, voluntary confidential and available to participants who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes or heart failure.
Through Regence Condition Manager, health care professionals provide one-on-one assistance to help people improve their overall health, giving them extra support in addition to their doctor’s treatment plan. To learn more, call 800-267-6729 (toll-free).
Is it Allergies or Asthma?
About half of asthma cases are “allergic-asthma,” a type of asthma triggered by an allergy (often the same pollens that cause seasonal allergies). Here’s how to tell the difference.
Seasonal allergies are most common in early spring, when pollens are in the air. The minor, temporary symptoms (sneezing, stuffy/runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing) can usually be relieved with over-the-counter antihistamines.
Allergic asthma is a double whammy, with the symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and tightening of the chest.
Choose Healthy 