Asthma Attack Treatment Using An Asthma Action Plan
Keeping asthma under control requires a few things. The most obvious is through controller or preventive medications. The other, less mentioned yet very important, aspect of asthma control is the asthma action plan. Also called a self-management plan, the asthma action plan helps the asthmatic recognize asthma symptoms and how to deal with it when the situation arises.
Each asthmatic has their own level of asthma severity, and level of reaction to various environmental triggers. For this reason, the asthma action plan relies on the each asthmatic’s individual history. To be able to get one, a discussion with the doctor is required. The action plan will serve as a reminder of that discussion, as well as an object of basis for future changes in the plan if there’s any.
The goal of an asthma action plan is to help the asthmatics or their guardians take early preventive action to reduce the severity of each episode. The action plan can be based on symptoms and/or peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements and is personalized according to the pattern of the person’s asthma. Although the action plan is highly personalized it mostly contains the same basic feature. Most if not all action plans are in written format, individually prescribed to suit the asthmatic, contains information that allows the patient or the guardian to determine flare-ups, and contain information on what steps to take in order to handle the situation. It also contains basic details about the patient including the name, date, the doctor’s number, and other emergency numbers that need to be contacted.
Almost all actions plans follow the traffic light system for assessing the severity of each attack. This also corresponds with peak flow readings. Indicated colors are from green for “under control” to red for “emergency” with their corresponding steps on what to do for each color.
Personal best peak flow values are also usually listed in the action plan. This works best for those with unpredictable asthma attacks. Predicting personal best peak flow values may further compromise the asthmatic’s condition.
Having an action plan can be a lifesaver on extreme situations. It is recommended that asthmatics carry their action plans with them at all times. Having asthma does not mean that you have to limit your lifestyle. As long as you follow your asthma action plan, you can keep asthma under control. Keeping asthma under control is what it’s all about. Reducing asthma attack occurrences up to a point that you won’t need medication anymore is one of the ultimate goals of having an action plan.
Johnson Star used to be an asthma sufferer past 20 years. For more detailed information, tips and advice on asthma attack treatment, be sure to go to http://www.17minasthmaandallergysecrets.com if you want to get rid of asthma and allergy once by subscribing to his 10-day FREE mini-ecourse immediately.