May Is Asthma Awareness Month: What Every Patient (and Parent) Should Know About Managing Asthma in 2026
By the Care Team at Advance Medical of Naples
Asthma affects more than 27 million people in the United States. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness, and a condition that sends someone to the emergency room every few minutes. Between 9 and 11 people die from asthma every day in this country.
And yet, asthma is highly treatable. The vast majority of asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency visits, and deaths are preventable with proper management. The problem is not a lack of effective treatments. It is that too many patients are undertreated, undiagnosed, or using their medications incorrectly.
At Advance Medical of Naples, we believe that better outcomes start with better education. This Asthma Awareness Month, we are sharing what you need to know to take control of your asthma and breathe easier every day.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed, narrowed, and produce excess mucus. This inflammation makes the airways overly sensitive to certain triggers. When exposed to a trigger, the muscles around the airways tighten (bronchospasm), the lining swells further, and mucus production increases, making it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms include wheezing, coughing (especially at night or early morning), chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and life-threatening. Asthma can begin at any age, though it most commonly starts in childhood.
The Two Pillars of Asthma Treatment: Controller and Reliever Medications
One of the most important concepts in modern asthma care is the distinction between controller medications (taken daily to prevent symptoms and reduce inflammation) and reliever medications (used as needed for quick relief during symptoms).
- Controller inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids): These are the foundation of asthma treatment. They reduce the underlying inflammation in the airways and prevent symptoms from developing. They must be used consistently, even when you feel fine. Examples include fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), and combination inhalers like Advair, Symbicort, and Breo.
- Reliever inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators): Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) is the most common. These provide rapid relief by relaxing the airway muscles during an asthma episode. However, if you are using your reliever inhaler more than twice a week, it is a sign that your asthma is not well controlled and your treatment plan needs adjustment.
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has made this a central message for 2026: every person with asthma should have access to an inhaled corticosteroid-containing medication. Relying solely on a rescue inhaler without a daily controller is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes in asthma management.
Do You Have an Asthma Action Plan?
An asthma action plan is a personalized, written document created with your healthcare provider. It typically uses a traffic light system:
- Green Zone (doing well): Daily medications, no symptoms, full activity.
- Yellow Zone (getting worse): Increased symptoms. The plan outlines specific steps to take, including adjusting medications.
- Red Zone (medical alert): Severe symptoms. The plan directs you on emergency medication use and when to call 911 or go to the ER.
Research consistently shows that patients with a written action plan have fewer emergency visits, fewer hospitalizations, and better overall asthma control. If you do not have one, ask your provider to create one with you.
Common Asthma Triggers and How to Manage Them
Triggers vary from person to person. Here in Southwest Florida, several environmental factors are especially relevant:
- Pollen: Trees, grasses, and weeds produce pollen year-round in our region. Monitor pollen counts and limit outdoor activity on high-count days.
- Mold: Florida’s humidity creates ideal conditions for mold growth, both indoors and outdoors. Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation.
- Dust mites: These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, humid environments. Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers, and wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Smoke: Tobacco smoke is one of the most potent asthma triggers. Secondhand and thirdhand smoke (residue on surfaces) can also provoke symptoms.
- Air quality: Pay attention to air quality indexes, especially during wildfire season or high-pollution days.
- Respiratory infections: Colds, flu, and COVID-19 are major asthma triggers. Stay current on vaccinations (flu, COVID, pneumonia) and practice good hand hygiene.
- Exercise: Physical activity is important for everyone, including people with asthma. If exercise triggers symptoms, talk to your provider about pre-treatment strategies.
Asthma in Children: What Parents Should Know
Nearly 5 million children in the United States have asthma, making it the most common chronic childhood disease. Asthma is the leading cause of missed school days due to chronic illness. If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, or if they experience recurrent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, here are a few key steps:
- Work with your provider to develop a written asthma action plan and share it with your child’s school.
- Make sure your child’s school has their rescue inhaler available.
- Teach your child (age-appropriately) to recognize their own symptoms.
- Keep up with controller medications, even during symptom-free periods.
- Ensure your home environment is as trigger-free as possible.
When to See Your Provider
We recommend that all asthma patients be seen at least every six months, even when symptoms feel well controlled. These visits allow your provider to assess your progress, address any new or worsening issues, review your medications, adjust your treatment plan, and process refills. Asthma changes over time, and regular follow-up is one of the most effective ways to prevent emergencies.
You should also schedule a visit sooner if:
- Your symptoms are worsening or not responding to your current medications
- You are using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week
- You have been to the ER or urgent care for breathing problems
- You do not have a written asthma action plan
- You have not had your inhaler technique reviewed recently
- You have questions about whether your asthma is properly diagnosed or managed
In-House Allergy Testing and Allergen Therapy at Advance Medical of Naples
Because allergies are one of the most common and powerful triggers for asthma, we offer in-house allergy testing and allergen immunotherapy right here in our office. Allergy testing allows us to identify the specific environmental, pollen, and chemical allergens that are triggering your symptoms. From there, allergen therapy (immunotherapy) works by gradually training your immune system to tolerate those triggers, reducing your body’s overreaction over time.
This approach is safe, well-established, and backed by decades of clinical evidence. For asthma patients whose symptoms are driven by allergic triggers, immunotherapy can meaningfully improve asthma control, reduce the need for medication, and decrease the frequency of flare-ups. It is also effective for patients who suffer from allergy symptoms alone without asthma.
Contact Advance Medical of Naples at (239) 206-2525 or visit www.advmednaples.com to schedule an appointment. Breathing well is not optional. It is essential.