Learn what causes asthma, breathing exercises for asthma, asthma prevention tips, and more from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
Asthma is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. You can prevent asthma attacks by carefully changing your environment and avoiding triggers. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine that can help.
Asthma is hereditary, so if one or both of your parents had asthma, it’s likely you’ll have asthma too. In addition to genetics, allergies, illness, smoking, pets, cold air, stress or even exercise can trigger asthma.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
The lungs react in two different ways:
It’s important to understand what’s medically recommended and what your specific plan covers. Use these resources to research. Find additional details in your benefit booklet.
Asthma triggers may be different for everyone. Learning how to avoid them can prevent asthma attacks.
Here are some things you can do to avoid the most common triggers of asthma
Treatment and medicines depend on how severe your asthma is and how frequently you have attacks.
Talk to your doctor if you’re taking your medicine as directed and are avoiding triggers but still have asthma attacks.
Especially with stress-induced asthma or asthma symptoms during a panic attack, breathing exercises may help. They give you a tool to calm down while focusing on your breath. Try breathing in and out while slowly counting to ten.
The most common test used to diagnose asthma is a lung function test. Allergy testing can determine potential causes for asthma as well. Call the customer service number on your member ID card to find out if these tests are covered.
Blue Cross also offers case managers and educational mailings for both adults and children to manage asthma. The care management program is free for eligible members, voluntary and confidential. To learn more about the program, call the customer service number on your member ID card.
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