Health and Wellness

Asthma Management

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that affects the airways and your breathing.


Asthma Management

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that affects the airways and your breathing. It involves the bronchi and the bronchioles, the tubes that carry air through the lungs. It causes periods of wheezing, breathlessness, tightness in the chest, and night or early morning coughing. When airways come into contact with certain triggers, the airways become inflamed, narrow and filled up with mucus. Asthma is an illness that cannot be cured, only controlled.

When a person has an asthma attack 3 things happen:

  • Airways become narrow and breathing is harder.

  • More mucus is produced.

  • Airways become inflamed.

Asthma medications help you gain control of your asthma. There are 2 general types of asthma medications which can give you either long-term control or quick relief of symptoms.

Treatment with asthma medication focuses on:

  • Controlling of swelling and preventing symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath at night, in the early morning or after exercise (long-term control medications).

  • Treating asthma attacks when they occur (quick-relief asthma medication).

  • Avoiding asthma triggers – pollen, smoke, dust mites, pet dander, temperature changes, pollution, mold, cock roaches and strong odors.

  • Calling your doctor or pharmacist for advice on different asthma medications that may work best for you.

If you or your child is a CalOptima Health member and have Asthma call 1-888-587-8088 to ask about health coaching, Asthma medicines, using a peak flow meter, getting the right Asthma Action Plan for you or your child and how to avoid Asthma triggers.

Preventing Asthma Triggers 

Asthma Action Plan 

Click the links below to download this information in your language.
About Us
How To...
Careers
Latest News