According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 12 people (over 25 million) suffer from the chronic respiratory condition known as asthma. It can range from minor to severe and the differences in symptoms can be startling. It can range from a small, uncomfortable cough to a full-blown asthma attack, where breathing may become completely obstructed. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a severe asthma attack are vital if you suffer from the condition, even though fatalities are uncommon if proper medical care is sought. At Rx Assistance Programs, we work with pharmaceutical companies to provide free or discounted prescriptions for people that suffer from a multitude of conditions (including asthma).

We offer prescription assistance for many medications, such as Dulera, Symbicort, and Dulera. These medications can range from long-term steroidal treatments to rescue inhalers depending on the condition of your asthma. Visit your doctor and consult with him/her to determine exactly what drugs you need to treat the condition. If you can’t afford the medication and are uninsured or under-insured, we may be able to help.

Causes of Asthma

There are many causes of asthma; naturally, pinpointing just how a patient succumbed to the condition can be difficult. It is believed that people develop the condition due to a number of environmental and genetic factors: some of these factors can include a pre-disposed condition during early childhood in which there was a tendency to develop allergies, having parents who suffer from asthma and contracting respiratory infections or certain viral infections during childhood. If you suffer from asthma, limiting your exposure to certain environmental triggers is your best bet. Avoid smoking/second-hand smoke, heavily polluted areas, chemical fumes, construction dust/debris, and obesity. All of these factors can increase the severity of asthma. If you’re not sure if you have asthma or not, but are suffering from certain respiratory impairments, read on.

5 Signs You Have Asthma

1. It wakes you up. If you get jolted out of bed by asthma-like conditions more than once a week, this can be a serious form of asthma. Hormonal changes – such as rising cortisol levels during sleep – can inflame airways and cause night-time asthma flare-ups.
2. You’re out of breath. If walking up and down the stairs leaves you gasping for air, you may have asthma. If you find yourself out of breath after taking a simple walk to the store, contact your doctor to rule out the possibility of a serious condition.
3. Chest tightness. If you constantly feel a constricting sensation or pressure in your chest, it may be time to see a doctor. Certain allergens and environmental irritants can cause your muscles to contract and narrow your airways. This will make your chest feel tight.
4. Blue skin. Cyanosis is a medical condition in which the skin turns a bluish tint due to inadequate oxygen delivery and poor circulation. Cyanosis can be caused by obstructed airways due to asthma.
5. Sudden confusion. Asthma blocks a certain amount of air from getting in and out of your lungs. Many people who suffer from asthma find that they cannot get enough air to speak a full sentence before reaching for another breath. If you find yourself out of breath mid-sentence, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Asthma Prescription Assistance

Asthma brought in a hefty price tag last year for the United States: over $57 billion to be exact. This accounts for all early deaths, hospitalizations, medical costs, and lost work/school hours. The burdens that asthma places on the health care system are mirrored by the cost of the medication itself. Many asthma medications can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per month without insurance. If you are uninsured or under-insured and need help paying for your asthma prescriptions, pick up the phone and call Rx Assistance Programs. We are an organization that specializes in prescription assistance programs for asthma medication and other medications. We handle all the paperwork for you and your doctor’s office. Once enrolled, we mail 90-day supplies of your medication straight to your doorstep. It doesn’t matter whether you need prescription assistance for Symbicort, Dulera or Advair; we’re here to help cover the cost of rising prescription drugs. Contact us today to find out more about our prescription assistance programs!