Preparing yourself to handle an Asthma attack

There is a very strong possibility of severe asthma attack if you ignore the initial asthma symptoms. To avoid such a severe condition, it is always good to create an action plan in consultation with your doctor. The action plan should describe about tracking your daily symptoms, medication, signs of asthma attack, handling an emergency asthma situation.

Set goals for your asthma management

The first step towards asthma management is to have long term goals for asthma management and to assess it thoroughly. You need to take advice from your care provider while setting these goals. These goals should be such that it enables you to do your normal activities like taking part in sports or exercises etc, asthma action plan is helpful in this.

Know your symptoms

If you are diagnosed with asthma, you need to keep a close watch on the symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath. The action plan that you have for asthma management should list how to take care of your asthma symptoms.

Know your peak flow

The peak flow meter tells you how well are you breathing. If the peak flow numbers are dipping from the normal count, you can be certain that your asthma is getting aggravated. You need to take the medication to stop the symptoms from getting severe. Asthma action plan should also mention how to tackle such a situation.

Understand your medication

It is very important to know what are the medication prescribed to you and how does the treatment work for your asthma. There can be medicines, which you may need to take daily as a preventive medication against asthma. Similarly, there are medications that need to be taken when the asthma worsens or during the asthma attacks. While creating the asthma action plan, you should discuss about when you should increase inhaled steroids, what needs to be done if the quick relief medication is not enough, when do you need to call a doctor and when you need to call for the emergency services.

Keep emergency numbers handy

An effective asthma action plan should have emergency numbers and also should have the details of whom to contact in case of an emergency. This information should be written on a piece of paper and posted on a bulletin board or on your refrigerator. It is good to carry your current asthma action plan with you always.

You need to review your asthma action plan with your doctor at least once a year so as to update the asthma action plan. Be in touch with your physician and keep him informed about any major changes that you see in your asthma symptoms.