A daily Asthma Action Plan is the best way to achieve this. A written document detailing how to manage asthma symptoms on a daily basis is called an asthma action plan. The plan should include specific information about daily treatment, short-term and long-term medication, dosage, managing symptoms and how to cope with flares or severe episodes that may require immediate care. For Asthma issues, you can use Iverheal 6 or Iverheal 12 tablets.
It should also include:
- Asthma treatment goals include personal goals.
- How to measure peak expiratory flow (PEF). A peak flow meter is a portable device that measures the ability to push air out of your lungs.
- How to manage symptoms and prevent asthma emergencies
- Triggers that make asthma worse
- Tips to reduce the risk of attacks and symptoms
- Steps to respond to symptoms
- Signs that asthma is worse
- When should you call your doctor?
- Instructions for emergency situations
The Elements of a Successful Asthma Attack Action Plan
Describe Medication Program
Asthma patients must take the “controller medications” prescribed every day. As needed, “Rescue medications” can be used to manage sudden asthma flare-ups and it is important to include instructions for proper use of inhalers. If the medication doesn’t alleviate symptoms, alternative options should be included in the plan.
Asthma Action Zones
The American Lung Association created a color-coded action plan template that can be downloaded by patients with asthma for different intensities of attacks and it can be based on symptoms, peak expiratory flow or both.
SAFE – The goal is to stay in this zone every day. Peak expiratory flow can be anywhere from 80% to 100% of your personal best measurement. No symptoms of asthma should be present and there is no need to take quick-relief medication.
Yellow area CAUTION: Peak expiratory flow is between 50% and 79% of your personal best measurement. It is possible to have mild, moderate, or none symptoms. But lung function is reduce. The action plan should include the dosage and frequency of quick-relief medications.
Red area DANGER Peak expiratory flow must not exceed 50% of your personal best measurement. You may experience severe symptoms such as extreme shortness or coughing and chest pain. Seek medical help immediately.
Keep Tabs On Your Symptoms
Being aware and attentive to asthma symptoms can help you maintain better asthma control in the long-term. The ALA suggests that adult asthma symptoms could include:
- Tightness in the chest
- Even when you are still, shortness of breath
- Peak expiratory flow (PEF), reduced
- You are wheezing
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nighttime coughing
- Problems walking, talking, and doing other normal activities
- Anxiety
- Not helping with rescue inhaler
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Confusion or exhaustion
- Children often feel “sucked in” to the skin around their ribs.
- Unconsciousness
Identifying Asthma Triggers
The asthma action plan should address triggers that can make asthma worse, factors that can cause asthma symptoms, and what to do if they are not possible to control. It is important to test for allergies and provide advice.
Asthma sufferers have sensitive airways that are inflamed and can be sensitive to things that may not bother others and these are called “triggers”.
The triggers for asthma can vary from one person to the next but some people respond to a handful of triggers, while others may react to several.
Is crucial to track the triggers and causes of asthma. It may be necessary to do some detective work as symptoms don’t always appear immediately after exposure and it is possible to have delayed asthma episodes depending on what trigger it is and how sensitive the person is.
Asthma Essentials
All asthma medication and supplies must be kept safe and readily accessible. Include a copy your action plan as well as any medication required to manage an allergic reaction and make sure to check expiration dates, and then replace any medications that are expired.
The most important thing an asthma patient should have is a bronchodilator, also known as the rescue inhaler. These medications relax the muscles that are tightened around your airways and this treatment basically opens your airway, allowing more air to move into and out of your lungs.
Keep an Asthma Log
Keep a log of all asthma symptoms you experience and take notes or detailed notes to identify triggers and track whether asthma control is becoming more effective or less effective.
An asthma diary is another component to this self-management and you can monitor asthma triggers as well as asthma medication by keeping a daily asthma diary and you can use the asthma diary to:
- Asthma Attack symptoms recorded and peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings
- Compare your asthma zone PEF readings
- Track how often you take medication in case of an unexpected asthma attack
This information will enable you to recognize your asthma attacks early enough to prevent you from becoming seriously ill and this diary will be used by your doctor to assess how effective your asthma treatment plan.
Asthma Support Team
Your Asthma Attack management can be supported by your friends, family members, and colleagues. In addition to being supportive and emotional, they can also help eliminate triggers. Furthermore, they may be able to help you with tasks that would otherwise trigger your asthma and sometimes, family members can spot symptoms and warn you if your asthma flares up.
Contact List
In the ALA template, there is a section that lists names and contact information for essential medical personnel. Provide contact information about your hospital and pharmacy and you should also include contact information for family members and friends. These contacts should be kept in your mobile phone and printed copies should be kept at your landline.
It is important to share your emergency plan with all key people, including doctors, nurses, family members, friends, co-workers, and healthcare workers but you should include details about what to do in an immediate situation, how to call 911, and which medications you should take.
Medical Reviews
Talk to your doctor, specialist, or asthma nurse as soon as you leave hospital following an attack. And If you have not needed hospitalization, consult your GP within 48 hours.
Discuss any medication or dosage changes with your doctor.
Regular, annual asthma checks with your doctor, specialist, or asthma nurse.
Keep your Asthma Action Plan Current
Over time, your condition, medications, triggers and even your asthma status can change and your action plan should be reviewed periodically to make sure it is accurate and reflects your current situation.
A plan for asthma treatment is divided into three zones: green, yellow, and red but the green zone is the one you want to be in on a daily basis and You feel great and have no symptoms of asthma. Even if you feel well, continue to take your long-term medications but if you see the yellow line, it means that your symptoms are severe and you should slow down or take your time and follow the steps to prevent your asthma from getting worse but the red zone indicates severe asthma symptoms, or an asthma flare up. If your symptoms don’t improve, follow the steps in your asthma action program and seek immediate medical attention.
