A study in the Sept issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology said that older patients (60 and up) with limited English had poor self-management of their asthma.
Asthma is a condition you need to manage—and carefully. You need to take as-needed and everyday controller meds properly. You probably need both--and can't just grab the as-needed inhaler when you can't get a breath.
Hispanics with limited English tended to be the least likely to use corticosteroids as intended.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (acaai.org) recommends having a bilingual person at every doctor appointment.
Ask for literature in Spanish.
If you don’t have a bilingual family member or friend, ask if someone in the office can translate.
Attend a local patient support group to get up-to-date info.
Asthma patients need to see an allergist at very least.
Not being able to breathe is bad--and can be VERY bad. Don't fool around with this.
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