Taking control of your asthma will improve your quality of life.  Asthma control depends on two things: being able to get medical care and having good asthma management skills.  The American Lung Association has a number of resources to help you to determine your level of asthma control, find out if your asthma could be better managed, and take steps to improve your asthma management and breathe easier. Learn how to take control of your asthma today!

Asthma Management Tools

Remember that asthma is a problem that does not go away. It is a chronic disease, like diabetes or heart problems.  It requires constant monitoring, even when you are feeling well.  If you have asthma symptoms often, you may need daily treatment with preventive medicine.

• Making Your Medical Care Visits More Satisfying - Regular care is part of your treatment plan. Don't wait until you have problems to see a healthcare provider.
• Controlling Your Asthma Triggers - Knowing what causes your asthma symptoms is an important step to controlling your asthma.  Identify your asthma triggers and learn simple ways to limit your exposure or avoid it all together.
• Monitoring Symptoms - Common asthma symptoms include: cough, tight feeling in your chest, wheezing, activity limitation and feeling tired.  Keeping track of your symptoms will help you stay in control of your asthma.
• Measuring your peak flow rate - Many healthcare providers believe that people with asthma can benefit from the use of a peak flow meter.  If you need to adjust your daily medicines for asthma, a peak flow meter can be an important part of your asthma management plan.
• Asthma Action Plan - Learn about the components of an asthma action plan and how they can help you take control of your asthma.
• Breathe Well, Live Well - Breathe Well, Live Well: An Asthma Management Program for Adults is a small group workshop that teaches adults the knowledge and self-management skills to take control of their asthma.
• Open Airways For Schools - The American Lung Association's Open Airways For Schools program takes a fun and interactive approach to asthma education.  It teaches children with asthma ages 8-11 how to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid their triggers and make decisions about their health.

Good Health Practices

Taking care of yourself every day is an important component to managing you asthma. Try eating a balances diet, exercising and reducing the stress in your life. These healthy habits will improve your ability to manage your disease.

• Manage Stress
• Make a Plan to Stop Smoking