Putting Your Asthma Action Plan Into Action

Putting Your Asthma Action Plan Into Action-Asthma is a complex condition, and managing it can require some real know-how. The previous sections described what you need to know to manage your asthma. This section describes how you and your doctor can work together to help you incorporate this know-how into action. It also provides a sample written asthma action plan.

Putting Your Asthma Action Plan Into Action-Your Treatment Goals

Agreeing on your treatment goals is a key element of your partner-ship with your doctor. The general goals of asthma therapy were discussed on page 1, but you may have special personal goals as well. Perhaps you like to travel, and one of your goals is to be able to travel to somewhat remote locations without having to worry about your asthma.

Take a look at the following list of asthma treatment goals and add your own treatment goals to it. Show this list to your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

Putting Your Asthma Action Plan Into Action-Based on your treatment goals, as well as your medical history and test results, you and your doctor can start working on a written asthma action plan that is tailored to help you make asthma management part of your daily routine. This plan should provide you with step-by-step information about each of the following topics:

• What medicines you should take, how much of each you should take, and when you should take each one.

• How to recognize when your asthma is getting worse.

 • If peak flow monitoring will be helpful, and, if so, how and when to use a peak flow meter to monitor your asthma. Also how to make adjustments in your medicines based on the results.

• What your specific asthma triggers are and how to avoid them.

 • What to do if your asthma is getting worse.

 • How to recognize an emergency and what to do, including who to call.

As you and your doctor develop this plan, make sure you discuss the following questions:

1. Are you sure it’s asthma?

 2. Do I need other tests to confirm your diagnosis?

3. If I think my medicine isn’t working, is it OK to take more right away? What if I miss a dose? What should I do if my medicine causes me problems like shakiness, sore throat, or upset stomach? What if I have problems taking my medicines or following my treatment plan?

4. Is this the right way to use my inhaler?

 5. Is this the right way to use my peak flow meter?

 6. How can I tell if I’m having an asthma attack? What medicines should I take and how much of each should

I take? When should I call you? When should I go to the emergency room?

7. Once my asthma is under control, will I be able to reduce the amount of medicine I’m taking?

8. When should I see you again?

 Make sure that you understand the answers to these questions and everything else in your written asthma action plan.

Putting Your Asthma Action Plan Into Action – Communication Tips

Tips for Establishing Good, Clear Communication Between You and Your Doctor

 Speak up. Tell your doctor about your asthma treatment goals and what you want to achieve with improved asthma management. Ask your doctor for his or her help in achieving those goals.

Be open. When your doctor asks you questions, answer as honestly and completely as you can. Briefly describe your symptoms. Include when each symptom started, how often it happens, and whether it has been getting worse.

Keep it simple. If you don’t understand something your doctor says, ask for a simple explanation. Be especially sure that you understand how to take any medicines you are given. If you are worried about understanding what the doctor says, or if you have trouble hearing, bring a friend or relative with you to your appointment. You may want to ask that person to write down the doctor’s instructions for you

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