Strategies for Addressing Asthma for Healthcare Providers

• Help make medical visits more satisfying by using this helpful tool to guide the conversation.
• Talk to your doctor about protecting yourself from the flu, pneumonia, managing and reducing stress and eating right.

• Download an asthma action plan (available in English and Spanish) to bring to your next appointment.
• Take Asthma Basics to learn more about your asthma and to understand the importance of an asthma action plan.

Most people with asthma need one or more medicines to help control their disease. Work with your doctor, pharmacist, or asthma educator to make sure you are using the medication the right way.

• Learn the difference between quick-relief and controller medications.
• A medicine schedule helps keep track of medicines, especially when newly prescribed.
• Watch the device and demonstration videos to learn the correct way to use your asthma medicines.

Know your asthma triggers and learn how to manage them.

• Identify your asthma triggers and take steps to reduce or avoid them.

• Where you live, work, go to school and play
• Monitor the state of the air in your city.
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit.

Know your early warning signs of an asthma episode.

• Watch the What Is Asthma? animation to learn about the changes in your airways during an asthma episode.
• Learn how to monitor your symptoms and keep an asthma diary.
• Use a peak flow meter and record readings to monitor control.
• Watch the How to Use a Peak Flow Meter video and download the instructions for future reference.