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All About Asthma
TowerHealth.org
RH3110 Revised 12.20
If you have asthma, this booklet My Asthma Diary Take to your next doctor visit on _____________________ at________ .
is for you. Learning about asthma Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:
can help to keep you healthy and
active. Your doctors, nurses, and
respiratory therapists will teach
you about asthma. The more you
Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:
know about asthma, the more
power you have to keep it under
control. When asthma is controlled,
you are unstoppable.
Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:
Contents Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:
What Is Asthma? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Asthma Triggers and Flare-Ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:
Prevent Serious Flare-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
When To Call 9-1-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Being Active With Asthma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Asthma Medicines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Write in GOOD DAY – (No breathing trouble . Took medicines as prescribed .)
Using an Inhaler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Write in TROUBLE DAY – (Breathing not right . What medicines did you use? Did you start to feel
better?)
Monitoring Asthma: Keeping a Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Write in BAD DAY – (Breathing was hard . Did you miss school, or activity, or have to change
My Asthma Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 plans? Was it hard to sleep because of coughing or breathing? Were you around anything
different or one of your triggers? What medicines did you use? Did you start to feel better?
Write in Peak Flows, asthma symptoms, and how you used your Asthma Action Plan .
9
Monitoring Asthma: What Is Asthma?
Keeping a Diary n Asthma is a lung disease .
n The breathing tubes in your lungs cannot let the air in and out easily .
A diary for your asthma is a record of how good or bad your breathing has been over time .
Having a diary to give to your doctor is much better than trying to remember and explain how
n Asthma is a chronic disease that can be controlled with proper medicines .
well your breathing has been since your last visit . Your doctor can see if your asthma is controlled . n Asthma attacks can be very serious .
If not controlled, your doctor may make changes in your medications or treatment plan . n Asthma is not the same for all people .
You can use any size notebook or calendar to write information . Always write in the same
notebook or calendar to keep all information in one place .
What Happens That Makes It Hard to Breathe?
Some examples of things to write:
n You are in contact with one of your triggers . Then your body reacts to the trigger . That
n Days your asthma gave you trouble . Example: Could not sleep, could not go to school or means your body goes through changes .
work, could not take part in activities or sports, or your breathing did not feel normal .
n Changes that happen in the airway:
n List symptoms . Example: Coughing, wheezing, etc .
• The airways become irritated and inflamed (reddened) .
n Think what may have caused the problem . Example: Were you sick or had a sore throat
• Airways swell . They get puffy inside .
before your breathing got worse? Did you visit someone who had pets? Did you run
around on a cold day? • Muscle bands around the airways become like tight rubber bands and squeeze the
airways .
n Write down the things you did that improved your breathing . Example: I took my
inhaler or nebulizer treatment . • Mucus blocks up the airways .
n Write in good days with no symptoms . • It is hard to breathe because the airways are only able to let small amounts of air in
and out .
n Write down medicines you took during the day .
n Peak Flow measurements (if you are doing these) . Mucus
n Write in use of Asthma Action Plan (were you in the Green, Yellow, or Red Zone) . Normal airway Infammation
This is an Example:
Relaxed
June 3 June 4 June 5 June 6 June 7
smooth Narrowed
Good day! Breathing was a little I feel better . I’m breathing really well . I Good day! I had my
hard . I heard wheezes . Mom said to still take took my regular medicine . doctor visit . I’m doing muscles airway
Told Mom . Followed Medicine in Asthma Rode my bike . I have a really well . She read my
Asthma Action Plan Action Plan (Yellow Zone) . doctor visit tomorrow . diary and said it gave her
(Yellow Zone) . Was better
later in the day . I think
My Peak Flow is almost
at my best . I didn’t play
Mom said to take my
diary .
good information . She
said I’m doing everything Tightened
petting my friend’s cat
made my asthma bad .
basketball today . just right! Alveoli smooth
muscles
NORMAL
BRONCHIOLE ASTHMA
8 9
1
Using an Inhaler
It is important to know how to use your inhaler properly so you can breathe the medicine
deep into your lungs . Ask your healthcare provider to show you proper inhaler technique
prior to use .
1. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds . Remove the cap from the mouthpiece .
2. Insert the inhaler mouthpiece into the end of the spacer . Remove the cap from the
end of the spacer . Use a spacer with a mask for younger children .
3. Breathe out . Put the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth and close your lips
tightly around the mouthpiece . If using a mask, place the mask on the child’s face
so the mask and nose are covered . There should be a good seal with the child
breathing comfortably .
4. Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine into the spacer . Take one slow,
deep breath in, and hold it for 10 seconds . If using a mask, keep the mask on the
face for at least six breaths .
5. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute between puffs . Number of puffs will be prescribed by
your doctor .
Asthma Triggers and Flare-Ups Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI): Your doctor may prescribe a dry powder inhaler to control
your asthma symptoms . Spacers are not used with DPIs . Instructions for DPIs differ from
the instructions above . Ask your healthcare provider how to use your DPI and any time a
new inhaler is prescribed .
What Can Cause Asthma to Flare Up (Also Called Asthma Attack)?
n Contact with triggers . These may Viruses My Asthma Medicines:
be things you are allergic to, such
Bronchodilator (Rescue or Quick-Relief) Inhaled Steroid (Controller)
as certain foods, mold, animal fur,
Sun
flowers, or dust . Triggers can also _____________________________________ ____________________________________
be cigarette smoke, cleaning sprays,
fireplace smoke, or air pollution . Pets _____________________________________ ____________________________________
n Not taking your asthma medicines . _____________________________________ ____________________________________
Food
n Strong emotions, such as laughing
n
hard or crying .
Hard, physical activity .
Pollen
ALLERGY Dust Mites
Scan to see a video about using an inhaler with a spacer.
n Changes in temperature or humidity .
1. Open your phone’s camera app .
Very hot or cold weather, or very dry
or humid (moist) air . 2. Point your phone at the QR Code and hold still .
Infections, such as a cold, the flu, or Mould
n
Vaccine Drug 3. Click the link that pops up .
sinus infection .
Chemicals
Bacteria
2 7
What Are Some Signs That Mean I Might Be Having an
Asthma Flare-Up?
n It is hard to breathe in and out .
n Coughing more than usual .
n Chest feels tight or congested (full or like you need to cough something up) .
n Pain or hurting in the chest when breathing .
n Wheezing (a whistle or squeaky sound heard when breathing) .
n Irritated, itchy feeling in the throat and chest .
n Waking up with a cough in the middle of the night .
n Waking up and feeling it is hard to breathe .
n Trouble breathing during or after exercise .
n Can only say a few words before you must stop to breathe .
What Can I Do to Keep My Asthma from Flaring Up?
n Do not run out of your medicines . Take all medicines exactly as your doctor
prescribes . Follow the directions carefully .
n Never let anyone else use your medicine . Never use anyone else’s medicine .
Asthma Medicines
Triggers and Flare-Ups n Know your triggers . Triggers are different for all people . Think of ways to avoid or
decrease contact with your triggers .
n Stay away from smokers . Smokers’ clothes, furniture, or car seats can irritate your
airways .
The two types of medicines used to treat asthma are:
n Watch for places that might have things that trigger an asthma flare-up . Problem
1. Bronchodilators – These medicines dilate (open up) the airways . They allow the
places can be:
muscle bands that are squeezing the airways to relax and let the airways open to let
more air in and out . Bronchodilators can start to act within a few minutes and make • Classrooms with birds, furry animals, or strong odors from markers .
breathing easier . They are sometimes called “rescue inhalers” or “quick-relief” inhalers . • An outdoor barbeque with food smoking on the grill .
Your doctor may tell you to take this medicine if you are having trouble breathing and
• Birthday parties or picnics . Be careful that the foods you eat are not ones that
need to make breathing easier .
trigger allergy symptoms .
2. Inhaled Steroids – These medicines decrease the irritation and inflammation that is • Strong chlorine odors at a public swimming pool can irritate airways .
present inside the airways of the person with asthma . Symptoms, such as coughing, n Wash your hands . Keep your hands away from your face .
should decrease . Steroid medicines will help prevent asthma flare-ups . When you are
having trouble breathing and need quick help, do not use your steroid inhaler . Steroid Dust Mites n Get yearly flu vaccines, as your doctor advises .
medicine will not give quick relief . Inhaled steroid medicines are taken daily even if you n Keep pets out of your bedroom .
are not having symptoms . Your symptoms will decrease over time . Your asthma can be n Take decorative pillows, stuffed animals, or other items that collect dust off your bed
controlled! (especially if you have coughing at night) .
Asthma medicines are inhaled by using either a metered dose inhaler, called an MDI, or n Tell your parents when you first notice your breathing is not as good as normal . Early
Mould treatment can help stop your breathing from getting worse .
through a nebulizer . This treatment makes liquid medicine into a fine mist that is inhaled
through a mouthpiece or facemask that is attached to a small machine (air compressor) . n Schedule regular office visits with your doctor . Take along your Asthma Action Plan
and keep a diary (record) of how you are doing .
Never stop taking medicines without first talking to your doctor!
6 3Prevent Serious Flare-Up Being Active With Asthma
Tips for Adults to Help You Stop a More Serious Asthma Flare-Up My Breathing When I Am Active
Know what “normal breathing” looks and feels like . Pay close attention to the child’s Having asthma does not mean you should remain inactive . It is important to do physical
breathing . Look for signs that breathing is getting better, not changing, or getting worse . activities to stay healthy . However, talk to your doctor to know how to prepare yourself for
Ask your child how he or she feels . sports and physical activities .
Tell your child he or she must tell you as soon as breathing feels different or when signs of n When a person becomes more active, it is normal for breathing to get deeper and
an asthma flare-up are noticed . faster . Breathing should return to normal within about 15 minutes after stopping the
activity .
When you first notice that your child’s breathing is showing signs and symptoms of an
asthma flare-up, you should follow your Asthma Action Plan! If there is no improvement n Talk to your doctor about any of the following: during activity your breathing sounds
after following the Asthma Action Plan or other directions, call and speak to your doctor . wheezy, you are coughing, or your chest is tight . Breathing that feels difficult during
activity or for a long time after stopping the activity should be reported to your doctor .
An Asthma Action Plan can give you steps to follow when your breathing starts to change . n Symptoms can be decreased if you give yourself time to warm up and cool down .
This can stop your asthma from getting worse . Ask your doctor about an Asthma Action
Plan . n Your doctor may tell you to use your inhaler before you begin to increase your activity
in sports or exercises . Talk to your doctor . Learn what to do so you can stay active in
If the child is getting worse, and especially if breathing is a struggle, call for emergency help . sports and other fun activities .
Parents should inform all coaches, teachers, the school nurse, athletic trainers, and
supervisors of the various sports and activities – both in school and outside school –
about your child’s asthma . Most schools require a parent to fill out a form so the child
When to Call 9-1-1
can take medicine . Parents should ask for school policy on taking medicines and provide
the school with required information . The child can then receive the necessary help if
breathing becomes a problem .
Get Emergency Help for Any of the Following:
n Skin, lips, or area under fingernails is a bluish-gray color .
n Trouble talking . The child can only say a few words then must take a breath (struggling
to breathe) .
n The quick-relief (rescue) medicine does not help the child’s breathing .
n The child is very tired, confused, not alert, or may be slumped over .
n Chest area under the ribs or under the breastbone appears to get sucked in when the
child breathes in (called retractions) .
n Breathing is making the child tired . Breathing is very fast or the breaths are only small,
short, and shallow .
n Shoulders are pulled upward into the neck with each breath .
n Mouth is open and gasping for air .
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