Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes the swelling of the airways through which air (and oxygen) travels to and from your lungs. The swelling can be painful and during an extreme asthma attack, vital organs can be deprived of oxygen. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal. Less severe asthma attacks can be triggered by an allergic reaction and are evidenced by coughing, inability to breathe, tightness in the chest and wheezing.

To learn more about asthma and health insurance, select from the following:

• Asthma treatments
• Ways to prevent asthma
• Challenges getting health insurance
• Healthcare options for people with asthma

Treatment for Asthma

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be treated with a variety of medications. Depending upon the severity of your attacks and your age, your doctor may recommend long-term medications taken regularly, quick-relief medications taken when during an asthma attack, or allergy medications that decrease asthma attacks by increasing your resistance to allergens.

Long-term medications include inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flovent) and triamcinolone (Azmacort), long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol (Serevent Diskus) and formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer) and leukotriene modifiers like montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate).

Quick relief medications include short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol, Ipratropium (Atrovent), and oral and intravenous corticosteroids like prednisone and hydrocortisone. Allergy medications may include desensitization injections or immunotherapy.

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Asthma: Preventive Measures

Because most asthma attacks are triggered by an allergic reaction, the best preventative measures include avoidance of common allergens. These include smoke, cockroaches, dust mites, pets, grass, dust, ragweed, mold spores and trees. By using a humidifier, cleaning regularly, dusting often and minimizing outdoor time during peak pollen seasons, asthma attacks can be minimized.

Challenges Obtaining Insurance With Asthma

If you or a family member have been treated for asthma by a doctor in the six months prior to applying for health insurance, it may be noted as a preexisting condition. At most, a new insurance company can withhold coverage for asthma-related expenses for up to 12 months, though some states require that the waiting period be no longer than three or six months.

Health Insurance Options With Asthma

If you find that your asthma medication is not covered for a period of time, you can usually apply for prescription assistance with the pharmaceutical company. Medicaid is available for low-income individuals and families and HIPAA provides for the continuation of health insurance coverage through previous employers for a period of time even after employment ends. No matter what, you shouldn't have a problem finding health insurance coverage despite chronic asthma.

Ask for a health insurance quote today!

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