Living Well with Asthma
You can better manage your asthma by having a written action plan.
“Clearly written instructions from your doctor tell you how and when to take your medications and what actions to take if your asthma is getting worse," says James Li, M.D., an allergic disease specialist in Rochester, Minn.
Most people with asthma should have two written plans. They have a day-to-day plan that lists the steps required to treat and monitor asthma, and they have an emergency plan.
Daily management plan
Include these elements in your daily plan:
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Your treatment goals. One goal might be to avoid severe asthma symptoms. Another might be to reduce your need for a rescue inhaler.
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Daily medication instructions. These include when to take each medicine and how much to take.
As part of your daily plan, your health care provider also may want you to record your peak flow readings. Your provider also may ask you to keep track of your medicine use—what you need each day and the number of puffs you take from your quick-relief inhaler.
Emergency action plan
Your emergency plan gives you a guide for severe symptoms. It tells you when you need to take immediate action by using your medications, seeing your doctor, or calling 911.
Include these elements in your emergency plan:
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Early warning signs and symptoms. These may include a drop in your peak flow rate, or increased wheezing or shortness of breath.
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Medication instructions. The plan should tell you when to increase your dosage of inhaled corticosteroids or when take additional medications, such as short-acting bronchodilators or oral corticosteroids.
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A guide for emergency help. The plan should list the peak flow levels and symptoms that indicate the need for immediate care. It should include emergency telephone numbers for your doctor and ambulance service.
Once you have the plans in place, be sure to meet with your health care provider periodically to review and revise them, as needed.
“Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment,” says Dr. Li. “Taking control of your treatment can help you live a full and active life.”