Strategies for Addressing Asthma

Most people with asthma should be able to control their disease with proper care. When healthcare providers—including health professionals, asthma educators or patient advocates—deliver asthma care based on the evidence-based asthma guidelines, patients can experience better health outcomes and quality of life. Below are priority messages along with tips and resources to help provide guidelines-based asthma care and education.

Remember. You can be active and healthy with asthma and do all the things that you want to do. Don't let asthma hold you back. Talk to your doctor about taking control of your asthma today.

Below are six steps along with tips and resources to improve your asthma control:

1. Visit your healthcare provider every 6-12 months or more often if you have symptoms.Asthma can come and go throughout the year or over your lifetime. See your doctor regularly to talk about your asthma and adjust your treatment if needed.
   • Help make medical visits more satisfying by using this helpful tool to guide the conversation.
   • Talk to your doctor about protecting yourself from the flu, pneumonia, managing and reducing stress, and eating right.
2. Use a written asthma action plan to know the steps to prevent symptoms and to respond during an asthma episode.
   • Download an asthma action plan (available in English and Spanish) to bring to your next appointment.
   • Take Asthma Basics to learn more about your asthma and to understand the importance of an asthma action plan.
3. Take your asthma medicines as directed. Most people with asthma need one or more medicines to help control their disease. Work with your doctor, pharmacist, or asthma educator to make sure you are using the medication the right way.
   • Learn the difference between quick-relief and controller medications.
   • A medicine schedule helps keep track of medicines, especially when newly prescribed.
   • Watch the device and demonstration videos to learn the correct way to use your asthma medicines.
4. Tell your healthcare provider what makes your symptoms worse.Know your asthma triggers and learn how to manage them.
   • Identify your asthma triggers and take steps to reduce or avoid them.
5. Learn about creating healthy environments where you live, work, go to school and play.
   • Monitor the state of the air in your city.
   • If you smoke, make a plan to quit.
6. Monitor your asthma daily and treat symptoms quickly.Know your early warning signs of an asthma episode.
   • Watch the What Is Asthma? animation to learn about the changes in your airways during an asthma episode.
   • Learn how to monitor your symptoms and keep an asthma diary.
   • Use a peak flow meter and record readings to monitor control.
   • Watch the How to Use a Peak Flow Meter video and download the instructions for future reference.