← All guides · Doctor visits and check-ups
Living with asthma: an action plan
asthma action plan · bronchial asthma · how to live with asthma · adult asthma
Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow easily. With the right treatment and an action plan, most people live a normal life.
For all adults with asthma and their family.
⏱ Duration: the plan is made at a doctor's visit; treatment is usually ongoing
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Action plan. Ask your doctor for a written plan: what to do every day and when you get worse.
- Inhalers. Show your doctor how you take a breath from the inhaler. Mistakes in technique are a common reason for poor control.
- Triggers. Find out what causes your attacks and try to avoid it.
What to bring
- Inhalers and spacer
- Your written action plan
- A symptom diary or a peak flow meter, if you have one
How it goes
- Use your controller inhaler every day as your doctor prescribed
- Always carry your quick-relief inhaler
- During an attack, sit up straight and breathe calmly
- Take puffs of the quick-relief inhaler as in your plan
- If it does not help, follow the red zone of your plan and call emergency services
- Write down how many times you used the quick-relief inhaler
What you'll feel
- With good control, you have few attacks or none
- After the inhaler, you may have a shaky feeling or a racing heart that usually passes quickly
Afterwards
- After a steroid inhaler, rinse your mouth with water
- See your doctor regularly, even if you feel fine
- Do not stop your daily treatment on your own when you feel better
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe shortness of breath, or it is hard to speak: call emergency services
- The quick-relief inhaler does not help or you need it very often: call emergency services
- Blue lips or fingernails: call emergency services
Common questions
Can I exercise with asthma?
Usually yes. Ask your doctor if you should take a puff before exercise.
Are the steroids in the inhaler harmful?
The dose in inhalers is small and works mostly on the airways. Do not stop on your own, and talk to your doctor.