Asthma is an unpredictable condition, but there are certain things that can be done to prevent triggers and deal with an attack. A written asthma treatment plan—a course of action for patients—will help you (and those around you) to avoid asthma triggers, treat flare-ups, and determine when and if medical intervention is necessary.
"Asthma plans kind of give you an outline of how to avoid getting into trouble before it’s too late," says John Mastronarde, director of the Asthma Center at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University in Columbus. "Asthma is a tricky disease. Every person with asthma should discuss a treatment plan with their physician."
What’s in an Asthma Treatment Plan?
A treatment plan can be broken down into three basic parts, according to Theresa R. Prosser, PharmD, BCPS, AE-C, FCCP, and a professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy in Missouri. The plan may include these guidelines:
- Instructions for every day. This includes information on breathing well and avoiding known triggers, such as pets or outdoor allergens. It may also include details about your asthma management routine, such as taking daily controller medication.
- Guidelines for dealing with asthma flares. This will spell out what to do when asthma flares start, like using an inhaler or getting some rest.
- A list of symptoms that require immediate medical care. These include severe wheezing, coughing, bringing up a lot of mucus, or an inability to catch your breath.
Keep in mind that asthma action plans can change over time. For instance, if you’re able to get a better handle on your asthma, you and your doctor may jointly decide to alter some aspects of your treatment plan, such as the need for daily medication. If your asthma worsens, your treatment plan may change to reflect the need for more aggressive intervention.
Be Prepared
While experts maintain that many asthma attacks can be prevented if patients create and follow a treatment plan, the threat asthma poses should not be underestimated: Asthma can be dangerous, even fatal. "Medicine does not stop all attacks," Prosser says. "The right medicine keeps attacks rare and mild for most people. When coughing or wheezing starts, follow your asthma action plan. Knowing what to do can prevent attacks requiring urgent doctor or hospital visits."
Reviewed by John Mastronarde, MD, director of the Asthma Center at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University in Columbus and Theresa R. Prosser, Pharm.D., BCPS, AE-C, FCCP, professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy http://lungcenter.osu.edu/aboutus/faculty/johngmastronardemd/
Sources
John Mastronarde, MD, director of the Asthma Center at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University in Columbus, phone conversation on February 26, 2014
Theresa R. Prosser, PharmD, BCPS, AE-C, FCCP, professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, MO. E-mail exchange on February 26, 2014.
