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Asthma in adults: Gain control with a written asthma plan
Check out a sample plan
The asthma action plan that follows is a sample plan. If you don't have an action plan yet, print the plan and take it to your next appointment. Ask the doctor to help you personalize the plan for you.
Adult Asthma Action Plan (PDF file requiring Adobe Reader)
Looking ahead
Once you and your doctor have developed your written asthma plan, keep it handy in case you have an asthma flare-up. Share your plan with a family member or friend who can help you in case of an emergency. In addition, keep a copy in your wallet or purse in case an asthma attack occurs away from home. You may want to list your doctor's phone number, emergency phone numbers and the location of the nearest emergency room on your asthma plan.
Meet with your doctor on a regular basis to review your action plan and revise it as needed, even if you aren't having any trouble managing your asthma. Although asthma can be controlled, symptoms change over time — requiring adjustments to treatment. Regular doctor visits can help make sure you're getting the treatment you need. These checkups are also a good time to reassess self-management skills, such as using your medications correctly and monitoring peak flow.
Think of the plan as a tool that can help you achieve the best asthma control possible. Following your plan is the best way to improve your lung function and avoid asthma flare-ups.
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- Expert panel report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Bethesda, Md.: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
- Kuehn BM. New asthma guidelines released. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007;298:1503.