Our Certified Asthma Educator works with patients to support their respiratory health, whether they have asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or are interest in quitting smoking, by helping inviduals understand their condition and manage symptoms to improve their health and quality of life.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airway muscles of the lungs due to inflammation and irritation, causing narrowing and tightening in the airways.
Symptoms of asthma range from: shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and/or wheezing.
Anyone can develop asthma at any time, though we may be more likely to develop asthma if there is a family history of asthma, have allergic conditions, or if we are exposed to certain environmental triggers.
Asthma can be manageable by:
- Working your medical provider
- Understanding triggers
- Taking your medication
Symptoms of Asthma vs COPD
Some people who have asthma may develop COPD over time. Some symptoms may be similar but there are some differences. Not everyone with asthma will develop COPD and not everyone with COPD has asthma.
What Is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
This inflammation causes the body to overproduce mucus, which builds up in the airways and obstructs the flow of air, making it difficult to breathe.
When you have COPD the tiny air sacs that are holding your lungs become damaged an are not able to filter the air.
Common symptoms of COPD are:
- chronic cough often producing mucus
- shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- chest tightness
Tips for Managing your Asthma
It is important to understand your Asthma and COPD triggers, medication, plan, and learn about self-management skills to avoid symptoms, click on the below to learn more:
- How to avoid triggers
- Learn about asthma and allergy medications
- How to use your prescribed medicine to help manage symptoms
- Take charge! Get an asthma action plan
- Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
- Learn about asthma self-management skills
- Schedule your asthma visits as recommended by your doctor
- Stay up to date with your vaccines (like Flu, COVID-19, Pneumonia) erie.health/vaccines
If you’re an Erie patient and would like to learn more about managing your asthma, call us now to schedule your free one on one asthma visit (312)432-2763.
Safe Green Cleaning Recipes
- coming soon
Asthma Self-check
- Have you had shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing or coughing requiring you to use your quick relief inhaler more than two times a week?
- Do your asthma symptoms interfere with your daily activities at home, work or school?
- Do your asthma symptoms wake you up at night two times per month - or more?
- Do you have to use your quick relief inhaler (albuterol) more than two times in one year?
If you answered YES to one or more of these questions, your asthma may not be well controlled. Erie's asthma educator can help you learn how to manage your condition. Call 312.432.2763 to schedule a health education appointment and create a free, personalized asthma action plan.
Support for Quitting Smoking
Smoking cessation is individualized support for patients interested in quitting smoking, and includes one and one counseling, as well as additional education regarding cessation medications and supports.
Smoking can have harmful effects on your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, asthma, COPD, and your heart health. Not everyone is ready to quit but learning on how to many small changes is a start.
Educational Handouts
COPD management is similar to asthma. Handouts and educational material may be applicable to both. Please call 312-432-2673 to schedule an appointment with the Certified Asthma Educator.
Quitting Smoking Worksheet - English
Quitting Smoking Worksheet - Spanish coming soon
Other Resources
Videos for Adults on Asthma
How To Use an Inhaler
Cómo Usar un Inhalador
Videos for Children on Asthma
How To Use an Inhaler
Cómo Usar un Inhalador
Contact Us
If you are an Erie patient and interested in an appointment, contact us at healthpromo@eriefamilyhealth.org, or call 312.432.2763.
You may also fill out the below form to get involved in Erie Health Promotions and we’ll be in touch soon!
Call (312) 666-3494 to schedule an appointment.
For our suburban locations call (847) 666-3494
Erie Family Health Centers received the USA Today Top Workplaces 2024 Award and the Top Workplaces 2024 Purpose and Values Award, recognizing that our shared belief in Erie's mission and values drives everything we do.
Stay informed with news and more