Asthma: How to Overcome Treatment Obstacles
Topic Overview
Asthma is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that may last throughout your life-you must treat it long term. But following a management plan can be difficult over a long period of time.
Here are some reasons you may not follow your management plan. Possible solutions are listed too.
Reasons you might not follow plan |
Possible solutions |
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You may not fully understand the seriousness of asthma. Some adults who have mild symptoms may not feel that treatment is needed. |
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It may be difficult to visit or communicate with a doctor or pharmacist. This could be because of distance and a lack of transportation, cultural or language barriers, a lack of trust, or miscommunication. All of this can lead to little guidance about what to do. |
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Often it is hard for a child to follow the management plan, because the child must rely on the help of family members and other people.
Reasons children might not follow plan |
Possible solutions |
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In single-parent families, a parent may not always be available to help the child remember to take medicine. It also may mean that a child has sole responsibility for treatment. |
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The child may have many caregivers, making it hard for the child to be on a regular schedule. |
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A shortage of school health professionals may make it hard to help the child remember to take medicine or to take it correctly. |
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Oral corticosteroid syrup (such as methylprednisolone) has a bitter taste, and some young children will vomit or refuse their medicine. |
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You may be concerned about the effect of inhaled steroids on your child's growth or health. |
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Children or teens may be embarrassed about having to take asthma medicine. They may feel different from their friends and peers. |
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Related Information
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
Current as ofDecember 6, 2017
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Current as of: December 6, 2017