How New Yorkers Can Avoid And Treat Symptoms Of Asthma

This article is not medical advice.

While living in the Big Apple certainly has its benefits, New Yorkers — specifically those living in the city — often have to deal with inconveniences such as high rates of mold, pollen, pests and poor air quality. These factors can have a negative effect on a person’s respiratory system and overall health — and sometimes can even lead to asthma.

According to recent New York State Department of Health asthma surveillance information, approximately 1 in 10 adults in New York State have asthma. Furthermore, 1 in every 2 New Yorkers with asthma does not have their asthma under control.
If you’re a New York resident who suffers from asthma — or thinks they’re experiencing symptoms of asthma — it’s important to understand what triggers asthma and how it can be treated. Read on to learn more about asthma and the ways to help control it.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition affecting the lungs that makes it hard to breathe. If you have asthma, the breathing tubes in your lungs (your airways) are extra sensitive to things in the environment. This results in your airways becoming swollen (or inflamed) and tight, and they often have extra mucus. Because of this, the lungs are not able to get air in and out very easily.

Asthma usually starts in childhood or early adulthood, and for most people, it is a lifelong condition. Some people grow out of it, while others may develop it as they get older. However, everyone’s asthma is different. If you have asthma, you’ll know — or you’ll soon learn — what is normal for you, what triggers your symptoms and what works best to treat them so you can live a healthy life.

What Are The Symptoms Of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms are often worse at night or first thing in the morning. Symptoms can be intermittent or persistent. For people with persistent asthma, symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Here are the most common asthma symptoms:

• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Cough

Symptoms can be predictable, but they can also come on suddenly and severely. When this happens, it’s called an asthma attack. An asthma attack is when the airways in the lungs suddenly become tight and swollen. Although rare, asthma attacks can sometimes be deadly.

Common Asthma Triggers And How To Avoid Them

If you have asthma, it’s important to avoid asthma triggers. Triggers are substances in the environment that can make symptoms worse or cause asthma attacks. They are found both inside and outside the home. Everyone’s triggers are different, so it’s important to keep track of what affects you. Below are some common asthma triggers and how you can avoid them:

• Very cold or hot weather: Check the weather report each day for extreme temperatures, air pollution levels and pollen counts.
• Air pollution: Limit your time outside or exercising on days that are extremely hot or cold and when air pollution levels or pollen counts are high.
• Pollen: Keep windows closed during pollen season. Use air conditioning on recirculation mode to avoid letting outside air in.
• Cold and flu viruses: Wash your hands frequently to avoid germs. You should also get the flu shot each year to prevent catching the flu. Learn how to get an affordable flu shot in New York with GoodRx.
• Dust: Clean your home often to avoid dust. Remove clutter, dust regularly, mop, vacuum and use microfiber or wet cloths. Avoid sweeping, since this spreads dust and could make asthma symptoms worse.
• Tobacco smoke: Quit smoking and do not allow others to smoke inside your home or car.
• Pet dander: Do not allow furry pets on furniture or in rooms where those with asthma sleep.
• Mold and mildew: Air out damp areas such as the bathroom and kitchen to prevent mold and mildew. Be sure to fix any leaks and remove standing water.
• Pests: Pest-proof your home.

How Can You Treat Asthma?

If you think you have asthma, the first step is to get tested. This involves a visit to your health care provider, who will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, smoking history and work history. You’ll be given a physical exam and will need to take some breathing tests to check how your lungs are working.

Once you are diagnosed with asthma, your provider will prescribe you medicine based on how often you have symptoms and how serious your symptoms are. Asthma is treated with different types of medicines, such as:

• Inhalers
• Nebulizers
• Liquids
• Pills

Inhalers are by far the most common treatment for asthma. These are medications that are inhaled through the mouth straight into the lungs. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the most important difference is the medicine inside them. Some examples include budesonide (Pulmicort), beclomethasone (Qvar), albuterol (Proair, Ventolin, Proventil) and budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort).

How GoodRx Can Help

Fortunately, there are many medications and treatment plans that can help get your asthma under control. But the reality is that treating your asthma can be expensive. According to a study done by the Asthma And Allergy Foundation of America, the direct cost of asthma is about $3,259 per person each year.

The good news is that there is a solution to overpaying for your prescriptions. If your insurance doesn't cover your medication, GoodRx — the leading resource in health care savings — can help you find your prescription at the lowest possible price. And, fortunately, GoodRx has coupons available for most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of asthma.

Obtaining your GoodRx coupon is simple. Visit the GoodRx website or download the free GoodRx app, add in your prescription details and ZIP code, and GoodRx immediately starts sourcing drug coupons and comparing medication prices at nearby pharmacies so you can select the option that works best for you.

In addition, GoodRx Care can help you obtain a short-term refill of asthma medication until you can get back to your primary care doctor. They can help you start or refill most asthma medicines — no insurance necessary. Start your GoodRx Care visit and get professional medical help within minutes.

See how much you can save with GoodRx: Download the GoodRx app or use its drug search tool on GoodRx.com to find the lowest price for your prescriptions.