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.

Every person reacts differently to different triggers. Each asthmatic varies in terms of asthma attack severity levels. For this reason, asthma action plans are customized for each asthmatic. There are a lot of factors to be considered; asthma history is one. To be able to have an effective action plan, a visit to the doctor is required. The doctor needs information such as asthma background, then will personalize an action plan that will only fit the patient.

The goal of an action plan is to help the asthmatics or their peers take early preventive action to reduce the frequency of asthma attack occurrences and/or to reduce the severity of each episode. Asthma action plans are based on peak expiratory flow readings and is customized in accordance with the condition of the specific asthmatic. While each action plan is highly personalized, it retains the same basic feature for each. Some action plans are written by the doctor, while there are others who merely pick out card templates and fill out necessary information. Regardless, asthma action plans are individually prescribed to suit the asthmatic and contain information on courses of action when asthma attacks. It also contains basic details such as name of the patient, and numbers to call in case emergency.

Most of the action plan follow a traffic light system for assessing the severity of each attack, moving from green for “under control” to red for “emergency” along with the course of action for each color: Even if the traffic light system is not used, details on what medication, how to treat, course of action when there is increased severity, and danger signs.

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.

Eddy Kong used to be an asthma sufferer past 20 years. For additional detailed information, tips and advice on asthma attack treatment, be sure to visit http://www.17minasthmaandallergysecrets.com if you want to get rid of asthma and allergy once by subscribing to his 10-day FREE mini-ecourse right now.

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