Respiratory - Asthma Action Plan - Quick Guide

Name:

Your Respiratory Specialist Nurse is:

Name:

Telephone number:

Personal best or predicted peak flow is:  __________   

My asthma medication is:
 

My asthma triggers are: (use space below to write)

Taking my asthma medicine every day will help reduce my reaction to these triggers. Avoiding them where possible with also help.

Everyday Asthma Care

My asthma is being managed well:

• With this daily routine I should expect/aim to have no symptoms
• If I have not had any symptoms or needed my reliever inhaler for at least 12 weeks, I can ask my GP or asthma nurse to review my medicines in case they can reduce the dose.

I will take _______ puff/s of my reliever therapy if any of these things happen:

• I’m wheezing
• I’m finding it hard to breathe
• My chest feels tight
• I’m coughing

When I feel worse

My asthma is getting worse if I’m experiencing any of these:

• My symptoms are coming back (wheeze, chest tightness, feeling breathless, cough)
• I am waking up at night with asthma symptoms
• My symptoms are interfering with my usual day-to-day activities (e.g. at work, exercising)
• I am using my reliever inhaler three times a week or more
• My peak flow drops below __________     

What can I do to get on top of my asthma now:

If I haven’t been using my preventer inhaler, I’ll start using it regularly again or if I have been using it:

• Take my reliever inhaler as needed up to __________ puffs each time.
• Make sure I carry my reliever inhaler with me when I’m out

URGENT

See a doctor or nurse within 24 hours if you get worse at any time or you haven’t improved after seven days.

If your peak flow drops below __________ (70% of your best or predicted peak flow) you will likely need steroids tablets from your GP or from your rescue pack.

During an Asthma attack:

I’m having an asthma attack if I’m experiencing any of these:

• My reliever inhaler is not helping, or I need it more than every four hours
• I have difficulty in talking or walking
• I’m wheezing a lot, or I have a very tight chest or I’m coughing a lot.
• My peak flow is below __________ (40% of best/predicted)

What to do during an asthma attack

1. Sit up straight – try to keep calm
2. Take __________ puff/s of your reliever inhaler
3. Take your rescue oral steroids if you have not already taken them that day
4. If you feel worse at any point OR you don’t feel better after 10-20 puffs call 999 for an ambulance; OR

If you are on one inhaler as a reliever and preventer and had to take an additional __________ puffs of your inhaler in addition to your morning and evening dose, call 999 for an ambulance

• Repeat step 2 after 10 - 15 minutes

After an asthma attack:

• If you dealt with your asthma attack at home, see your GP today
• If you were treated in hospital, see your GP within 48 hours of being discharged
• Finish any medicines they prescribe you, even if you start to feel better
• If you don’t improve after treatment, see your GP urgently

Get more advice and support from Asthma and Lung UK

Speak to a specialist nurse about managing your asthma on 0300 222 5800 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm).

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Website: www.asthma.org.uk

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