Learn to avoid your triggers (Spanish)

An important step in getting control of asthma is to discover the factors or combinations of factors that trigger your asthma episodes and learn to avoid them. Common triggers include tobacco smoke, dust mites, animal dander, cockroach droppings and remains, indoor mold, strong odors (like gasoline fumes, perfume, hairspray and paint), exercise, cold air and viral upper respiratory infections (for example, colds). Even though complete avoidance of some triggers is impossible, there are many ways to reduce the exposure to them. A healthcare professional that specializes in asthma education can discuss these instructions.

Learn about your medications (Spanish)

Long-term controller medications are a very important part of controlling asthma. When taken regularly, these "controllers" reduce the inflammation and irritation in the lungs. Most of these medications are taken by directly inhaling them into the lungs. Oral medications can also be used. Finding the right medications to provide long-term benefits is individually decided between the physician and the asthmatic patient. Every asthmatic should always carry a quick-relief or "rescue" inhaler to use for sudden symptoms. These medications work very quickly to relax the tightened muscles around the airways. You should know what your medicines are, how often you should take them, how to use the devices properly, and what results to expect. (Spanish) Your physician, nurse, or pharmacist can help you with this.

Monitor your asthma symptoms daily
You can't feel the airway inflammation. Therefore you must monitor how well your lungs are functioning by using a "peak flow meter" (Spanish). This small device measures the amount of air that is moving in and out of your lungs. It can help you to know when you might have an asthma episode-hours and even days before you have any symptoms. Once you have determined your "personal best" number, it is easy to see when your numbers start declining. You doctor will help you determine the "zones" or numbers he/she would like to see you stay within. Peak flow monitoring should be done twice a day and recorded on a chart with any symptoms and medications noted.

Develop and follow a plan

You and your healthcare professional should create a written plan to help you manage your asthma. This "asthma action plan" will help you decide what medicines to take, when to take them, how much to take and when to get help. The plan is based on symptoms and peak flow results. There are many different types of plans (Spanish) See other side of this paper for an example of one.

See your doctor regularly (Spanish)
It is recommended that you visit at least once every six months to talk about your asthma and review your treatment plan. Be prepared for your appointment, write down questions so you don't forget to ask them.