Controlling Your Asthma

Controlling Your Asthma ?

If your asthma is under control you are more likely to have a better quality of life and be more able to do the things you want to. In this section you will find information about how to spot when your asthma is not well controlled, practical help to get your symptoms back under control from our 'Be in Control' pack and advice on the questions you should be asking when you visit your doctor or asthma nurse.
It is important that you take your asthma medicine properly and that your doctor or asthma nurse has explained how to use inhalers properly so that every dose you take gives you the most benefit.
Is your asthma under control?

Three questions can help you to identify whether your symptoms are under control:-

In the last month:

* Have you had difficulty sleeping because of your asthma symptoms (including cough)
* Have you had your usual asthma symptoms during the day (cough, wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness)
* Has your asthma interfered with your usual activities - eg housework, work, school etc)

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions it may be that your asthma is not controlled as well as it could be. See your doctor or asthma nurse to discuss ways that you may be able to improve your asthma control

Signs that your asthma is not well controlled

Signs may include:

* Waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tightness in the chest
* Having to take time off work because of your asthma
* Finding it difficult to breathe, and breathing short shallow breaths
* Needing more and more reliever treatment
* Finding that your reliever does not seem to be working
* Having to take your reliever more frequently than every four hours
* Feeling that you cannot keep up with your usual level of activity or exercise

If you notice any of these symptoms you should follow your personal asthma action plan, as this should help you to get your symptoms back under control. If this does not work, you should see your doctor or asthma nurse. This may involve looking at your medicines, triggers and lifestyle to see if anything can be changed.

Help for you to take control of your symptoms


You can take control of your asthma by knowing what medicines to take, how much and when to take them. It is also important to avoid things that trigger your asthma and know what to do if your symptoms get worse.

All of this information should be recorded on a personal asthma action plan, which your doctor or asthma nurse should complete in discussion with you. Asthma UK produces a set of tools called 'Be in control' which includes an action plan, peak flow diary, medicines card and asthma review card. This is available free from Asthma UK - follow the links on the right hand side of this page.
Top tips for getting your asthma under control


A few simple steps to help you get your asthma under control.

* Knowing what medicines to take and when to take them is an important step towards keeping your asthma symptoms under control.
* Eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
* Drink plenty of water and avoid getting dehydrated.
* Review your symptoms and medicine with your doctor or asthma nurse at least once a year (more frequently if you have severe asthma symptoms or in the case of your children, every six to 12 months).
* Tell your doctor or asthma nurse how asthma symptoms affect your lifestyle so that they can help you to identify ways to overcome these to make your life better.
* Talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about the medicines that you are taking, how to identify and avoid triggers, and how to cope with a long-term condition.
* Use your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed. This will reduce your risk of having an asthma attack if you ocme into contact with a trigger


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