Local study finds factors that lead to better Asthma control

It looks like a thermometer but it’s called a peak flow meter and it measures airflow.  The higher the number the easier you are breathing.

Debbie Davidson’s reading is 500 which is much better than before she enrolled in a Jefferson College of Health Sciences Asthma study.

Debbie Davidson says, “I remember going to my physician one time and he said ah you’re in trouble - and I didn’t even know it my lung capacity was shutting down.“

Health Psychology expert, Dr. Stuart Tousman heads up the study.

Dr. Tousman, “When you chat with these people about it they’re like.. oh yeah, I’m miserable all the time that’s just how it is for me… And it doesn’t have to be.“

One sign that your asthma is not in good control is if you have to use your “rescue therapy” or inhaler at least two times a week or more, that probably means you are not managing your disease very well.“

So far, Tousman and his colleagues have found management is the key to control and knowing your triggers, whether it’s exercise or pollen.

He says, “I’ve never seen pollen in Roanoke like what we have seen the last couple of weeks…“

Pollen isn’t the only problem for Debbie.

She says, “Horses is a big trigger to me, which is unusual one.“

Dr. Tousman finds, “A lot of people just don’t take it seriously they don’t think there is a problem and then suddenly they end up in the hospital.

Through simply taking her asthma more seriously, with daily air flow checks and avoiding her triggers Debbie has felt better in recent weeks than she has in more than ten years.

You can enroll in the second phase of the study by calling (540) 767-6096 or through this link to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences.  The study begins in August.