What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition affecting your lungs. It’s chronic, meaning it lasts a long time and often doesn’t go away completely. With asthma, the inside wall of the airways to your lungs get inflamed. This is caused by things that irritate the airways. When your airways are irritated, they get narrower and less air flows to the lungs. Narrowed airways can cause coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and trouble breathing.
If you follow the directions of your primary care provider (PCP), take your medicine as directed, and avoid triggers that bother your airways, you can typically live an active life with asthma.
Your CareOregon benefits cover medications to manage asthma. Tobacco smoking is a trigger for asthma as well. Benefits are also available to help you stop smoking.
Helpful community links and resources
- Asthma Control Test
- American Lung Association - Asthma Action Plan (PDF): Adult - English
- American Lung Association - Asthma Action Plan (PDF): Child - English
- CAIR - Community Asthma Inspection and Referral program (PDF)
- Multnomah County Healthy Housing: Asthma Inspection Referral programs (PDF)
- Oregon Health Authority - Adult asthma data explorer
Español
- American Lung Association - Asthma Action Plan (PDF): Adult - Spanish
- American Lung Association - Asthma Action Plan (PDF): Child - Spanish
Let us help you
We can help you get started with your benefits. Send us a secure message through the member portal or call Customer Service.
