Asthma Spotlight

In this trailer I introduce a few key messages about asthma attacks. Future episodes will aim to help people with asthma understand and manage their disease and to prevent attacks.Weekly Episodes will start in December.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. 

When asthma goes out of control this results in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. Wheezing is a whistling noise that comes from the chest and is usually heard when breathing out.These episodes of poor control are called asthma flare-ups, exacerbations or asthma attacks. Three reasons why this is the first full episode in this Asthma Spotlight podcast are:An asthma attack is a signal that something has gone seriously wrong and can sometimes result in hospitalisation or even death.Most asthma attacks and asthma deaths can be prevented.Asthma attacks are themselves risk factors for future attacks.This episode will provide some key messages that may help you to avoid future attacks, and to prevent hospital admissions and even deaths due to asthma.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. 

In this episode on the basics of asthma I explain about the role of the lungs, and why asthma is a potentially dangerous disease. Different types of asthma are described. Information on the ongoing, chronic, inflammation caused by asthma as well as the fact that asthma flares up with attacks is discussed. Also the episode includes a detailed explanation of how asthma affects the lungs, particularly how the air passages are narrowed due to swelling and tightening (spasm) of their walls results in their obstruction. As a result when asthma flares up (also called an exacerbation or an attack) the person develops respiratory symptoms and it becomes difficult to breathe, and the body gets short of oxygen which is dangerous. This basic information about asthma may also help you to understand the basics of how the different asthma drugs may work.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. 

This episode focusses on drug treatment for preventing asthma symptoms and attacks. s. The drugs prescribed to treat asthma inflammation are called anti-inflammatory drugs,or controllers or preventers. Asthma symptoms and flare-ups or asthma attacks are prevented or markedly reduced by the preventer/ controller medicines.There are three types of anti-inflammatory controllers and preventers: i) Corticosteroids, which are prescribed in inhaler devices in most people with asthma; these drugs, also called steroids, are also prescribed in the form of tablets, liquid, or injections mainly for asthma attacks; ii) Leucotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRA's) in tablet form; and iii) the disease modifying or biologic drugs for people with severe asthma, in the form of injections.Drug prescription differs world wide, depending on regulations regarding the way the drugs are allowed to be used, These inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective drugs for preventing attacks and are prescribed in inhalers as single drugs or in combination with a long acting bronchodilator reliever,( which may be quick acting or slow acting) or in combination with a short acting reliever.The main message in this episode is that the preventer/controller drugs work against the ongoing asthma inflammation to prevent attacks or at least to reduce the number of attacks due to this disease.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast: While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. 

The reliever drugs are used for treating asthma symptoms and flare-ups.There are two kinds of relievers; the short acting ones for emergency use for flare-ups or attacks of asthma - they don't control your asthma and they don't prevent attacks. The long acting relievers are usually prescribed for asthma together with an inhaled corticosteroid. One of these long acting relievers is formoterol - which is also almost as fast as the short acting relievers. The inhalers that contain an inhaled corticosteroid and also formoterol are prescribed according to the licenced regulations in different ways depending on which country you live: 1) they are either prescribed to be used regularly - once or twice a day and the blue relievers are used for symptoms; or 2) they are prescribed to be used regularly - once or twice a day AND the same inhaler is also for relief instead of a blue short acting reliever - this is called MART or Maintenance and Reliever therapy; and 3,in some countries these are prescribed 'as needed' for symptoms without using the inhaler regularly - this is called Anti-Inflammatory Therapy or AIR.The benefits as well as the possible risks related to use of relievers is explained in this episode.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includesbut is not limited to patients that you are treating. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast: While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site.

How do you know when your asthma is flaring up. This episode is the first about monitoring your asthma – that is how to keep a check on how your asthma is doing. Most importantly how you can tell when your asthma is going out of control so you can take action using your self-management plan to prevent an attack from developing into something troublesome and preventing hospital admission. There are a number of ways you can check the status of your asthma and identify when your asthma is flaring up and an attack may be developing.Three aspects related to poor asthma control are attacks, symptoms, and your response to your reliever medication. These are explained in this episode.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcastshould not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limitedto establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expertwitness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of anystatements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice AsthmaSpotlight Podcast:  While you maygive your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to beanswered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contactinformation with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site

How do you know when your asthma is flaring up. This is the second episode on keeping a check on your asthma.and is about using tests (objective tests) that provide numbers to tell how well controlled your asthma is, and that helps you to compare your asthma control with past control, and it should also help you make more use of your self management plan provided by your own doctor. The episode adds to the ways described in episode 6 for telling how your asthma is controlled using your symptoms and your response to your reliever medication prescribed by your doctor.After listening to this episode you may find the video on using Peak Flow Meters helpful: The link is: https://youtu.be/ycKGtrP55l8Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as posible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Your own personal asthma self-management plan provided by your own doctor or trained asthma educator is an excellent resource to help you keep your asthma under control and to prevent attacks. This episode explains what these plans are and how they can help you look after yourself by understanding how your asthma drugs work, how to recognise danger signals, how to tell if an attack is starting and what to do if this happens.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST or video are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site. 

Like any chronic disease, your asthma should to be checked from time to time to see if you are having any trouble that may need to be dealt with to fix any problems and bring the disease under control. In this episode you will learn why reviews soon after asthma attacks are important both to find out if the attack is over or if you need more treatment and the other reason for these reviews is to identify and fix any preventable factors to reduce the risk of future attacks. You will also learn abot routine reviews and how these can help you get better control of your asthma.Asthma Spotlight PODCAST Disclaimer: The opinions I express in this Asthma Spotlight PODCAST or video are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contains my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast: This blog or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to asthmaspotlight@gmail.com to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the site.