Asthma Management

 

 

Of all the key elememts of Asthma Management, the best practice is predicting and recognising when an asthma attack is going to occur. Recognising the triggers for each patient and eliminating those triggers if possible from their daily life cycle is the best form of managing the condition.

 

Obviously it may not be possible to eliminate all triggers, but reductions of these triggers where possible is going to assist in effective management and long term benefits along with an Asthma Management action plan.

 

This can be most effective when the patient is able to recognise the changes in the frequency that they need to use reliever medication, their breathing and sleeping patterns, physical activity, the effectiveness of medicines, and peak flow meter readings.

 

Regular peak flow meter readings is only one of the best practices, but when they used on their own, the measurements are not enough to predict when as asthma attack is going to occur.

 

Changes in peak flow readings are normally reliable enough but the changes may also happen days or even hours prior to any symptoms becoming apparent. As part of your action plan, always make a note in your diary of any noticeable changes, your peak flow meter readings, and any symptoms you may have. These notes will help your nurse or general practitioner determine the correct medication required.

 

Symptoms such as sneezing, headaches, stuffy nose, tiredness, and diificulty sleeping because of these symptoms are some of the warning signs of an asthma attack.

 

Effective management of the condition is acheivable for most people as they have only a few symptoms and can lead a normal, active life without interference. Your level of managing the condition can vary over time due to changes of the environment at home,school or work.

 

Because asthma has triggers or causes, an effective Asthma Management action plan to help control these triggers will ensure the patient will not make frequent visits to the local general practitioner or nurse.

 

Some triggers that you may be able to be limit exposure to are: allergies to pets, pollens, and moulds in their environment, household irritants like perfumes, dust and cleaning products, pollution from the air eg. traffic fumes, cigarette smoke, or high ozone levels, over exercising - only exercise in moderation, weather - especially in cold and windy periods.

 

The patients Asthma Management action plan should be reviewed regularly and frequently by their general practitioner or nurse. This may lead to an increase or decrease of medication dependant on optimal Asthma control.

 

The National Asthma Council of Australia has a very informative book titled "The Asthma Management Handbook" which can be purchased from their website and provide individuals with a more detailed action plan. It highlights a team approach to Asthma Management although written for pharmacists and general practitioners.

 

Your local general practitioner or nurse will also have a copy of the action plan that will allow you to monitor the disease for yourself. They will also instruct you to take your medication as and when required to support your Asthma Management Action Plan.

 

When deciding on which Asthma Inhaler is appropriate for you, information is provided here to assist you with this decision.