How To Organise An Asthma Action Plan

Jan 06, 2018 Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects 4.5 million people in the UK.  Symptoms vary from mild to severe and can sometimes be fatal.  There are many different asthma triggers including; dust, pollen,  strong scents and temperature changes.  

An asthma attack is when the muscles in the lungs contract. Inhalers treat asthma by relaxing the lungs and allowing air to flow. Certain situations and substances trigger an attack. Some people have chronic asthma and suffer symptoms all of the time.  

Often the most effective way to treat the condition is by prevention.  Most people are aware of their triggers and are able to avoid or prepare for them. An asthma action plan is a check sheet with information how to manage your condition.  They are normally completed by a medical professional who reviews it annually.  January is as good a time as any to update your plan so that you can start the year fit and healthy.

What Is Asthma

Asthma is a common disease that affects the lungs.  Airways become narrow due to irritation and it is difficult to breathe.  Symptoms include; wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, tight chest and difficulty sleeping.  

Triggers occur on specific occasions such as after exercise, at work or due to allergies. Triggers include; exercise, pollen, dust, cold virus, cold temperatures, stress, some food and acid reflux.  If you avoid these situations you may prevent an attack.   

There are many different reasons why people suffer from asthma such as; it runs the family, suffer from allergies, you are overweight or are a smoker.  Chemicals used in certain jobs can trigger an attack.

What Is An Action Plan

An asthma action plan provides an insight into the nature of your asthma. The plan is used to help you monitor the severity of your condition.  The form is available online or from your doctor’s surgery.

The form requires you to provide information about triggers, medication, everyday care, what to do when you feel ill and what happens during an attack.  

You must keep the form available at all times just in case you have to go to the hospital. The plan must be kept up to date and reviewed at least once a year to monitor your health and the effectiveness of your treatment.

Treatment

Medication comes in the form of an inhaler.  The Ventolin Evohaler contains Salbutamol which relieves symptoms by relaxing the muscles in the lungs.  Most people have two inhalers a preventer and a reliever.  The preventer is taken in regular doses to prevent an attack while a reliever is taken during an attack.  

You may not get the correct dose if you don’t use the inhaler correctly. Inhaling too much may result in the following side effects; lightheadedness, increased heartbeat and feeling shaky. The symptoms normally subside quickly and should be mentioned to your doctor.  

There are many different types of inhaler to suit the needs of both children and adults.  Your doctor will assess you and prescribe the most suitable treatment and incorporate it into your action plan. It is vitally important that you keep up to date with your asthma treatment otherwise your health will decline.  

To review and purchase treatment for asthma please click here.