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Managing
An estimated 20 million Americans have asthma, and many of them needlessly avoid physical activities, miss days from school or work, and deal with frequent or daily symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled if you follow an asthma action plan, including avoiding the triggers in the environment, monitoring symptoms and airflows (peak flow monitoring), and following the medication plan provided by your doctor. An otherwise healthy person who is diagnosed with asthma can lead a normal, active life. Anyone who has asthma and feels it is not being properly controlled should make an appointment with either a primary-care physician or internist who has special training in asthma management or with an allergist or immunologist. You do not need to endure asthma symptoms.
Asthma control is the goal of asthma therapy. The American Lung Association's asthma control test will help you learn how controlled your asthma is.
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