Health Resources for Asthma | Fidelis Care
Member
Providers
Shop For a Plan

Asthma

Asthma is a medical condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making it hard to breathe. Many people who suffer from asthma have a sudden worsening of their symptoms, known as an “asthma attack.” Although asthma can’t be cured, its symptoms can be controlled with medications and by avoiding asthma triggers.

Doctor-Checklist-Animation

Doctor-Checklist-Animation

Common Symptoms


  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest congestion and tightness
  • Whistling sound when breathing out

Common Triggers


  • Allergens
  • Infection
  • Pollution
  • Dust/smoke
  • Cold air 
  • Exercise

 

Smiles-that-Shine

 

Managing Your Asthma

There are some easy steps you can take to manage your asthma, including:

 

Lifestyle Changes

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Having a healthy diet
  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding alcohol

 

Avoid Allergens and Other Triggers

  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander
  • Smoke
  • Molds
  • Cockroaches

 

Anti-Inflammatory-Diet-to-Support-Asthma-Lifestyles

 

Smiles-that-Shine

 

Medications To Treat Your Asthma

Although asthma can’t be cured, its symptoms can be controlled with medications and by avoiding asthma triggers. There are some easy steps you can take to manage your asthma, including the use of:

    • Quick-Relief Inhalers: Short acting Beta-Agonist
    • Controller Inhalers: Steroid or Steroid/Beta Agonist Combinations Inhalers
    • Oral Controller Medication: Leukotriene Modulators

Read the Asthma Medication Pharmacy Guide to learn more about medications used to help treat asthma, along with their common side effects.

Talk to your primary care provider about what medications are right for you.

Doctor-Checklist-Animation

 

Smiles-that-Shine

 

How to Improve Asthma

  • Use your controller medications as prescribed to improve symptom control (Fidelis Care covers a 90-day supply of asthma medication for Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plan members. For Fidelis Medicaid Managed Care & Healthier Life  members, please refer to the State Preferred Drug List)
  • Avoid asthma triggers
  • Keep track of your quick relief inhaler use
  • Develop an Asthma Action Plan and share with your provider

 

Know Your Asthma Zones

 

 

 

SAFE ZONE

CAUTION ZONE

DANGER ZONE

SYMPTOMS

  • Breathing is easy
  • No cough or wheeze
  • Can work and play
  • Can sleep all night
  • Cough or wheeze
  • Tight chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Problems sleeping, working, or playing
  • Very short of breath
  • Medication is not helping
  • Breathing is fast and hard
  • Lips or fingernails are grey or blue

WHAT TO DO

Keep taking your asthma controller medications as prescribed.

Keep taking your asthma controller medications as prescribed.

Also, take quick-relief medications as prescribed by your provider.

Keep taking your asthma controller medications as prescribed.

Also, take quick-relief medications as prescribed by your provider.

Also, call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing.

 

 

Smiles-that-Shine

 

Exercise and Asthma

For people who have asthma, exercise can trigger breathing problems, coughing, and wheezing.

It is important to take your asthma medications and be aware of triggers that can worsen your symptoms such as chlorine from swimming pools, cold and dry air, and chemicals to clean ice rinks.

 

Before exercise, you can:

  • Warm-Up: Warm up for 6 to 10 minutes before starting your exercise. Talk to your provider about the best warm-up and exercise for you.
  • Cover Mouth and Nose in Cold Weather: Wear a scarf or gaiter to protect yourself from cold, dry air.
  • Talk to Coaches and Teachers: Parents should let their child’s coaches and teachers know about their child’s asthma, so they can be on the lookout for any issues.

 

Smiles-that-Shine

 

Opportunities to Follow Up With Your Provider

  • After starting new treatment to check response
  • When your symptoms worsen
  • After a self-managed asthma attack
  • After seeking urgent medical care related to an asthma attack

If you or a family member is experiencing asthma symptoms, talk to your provider. For more asthma information, including helpful videos, click here.

 

Additional Asthma Resources

 

 

Member Portal

Log in or register to make payments, print ID cards, choose or change a PCP, and much more.

Healthwise

Browse a library of health articles, videos, and tools from Healthwise. Available in both English and Spanish.

Health Resources

Information to help you and your provider better manage your health.