7 key steps to Breathe better & Live Better with asthma

As always at this time of year we are gearing up for Asthma week which happens 1st -7th September every year.

The theme for 2024 is 'Breathe Better - Live better'

The key to be able to "Breathe Better - Live Better" is self management

Asthma self-management refers to the things you can do for yourself to keep your asthma under control, have fewer asthma symptoms and enjoy life.

The best medicines and best healthcare providers in the world can only do so much to help you manage your asthma if you are not also doing your part.

For this reason, self-management is essential.

There are seven key steps to asthma self-management:

1. Know your triggers.

This can vary from person to person common ones are smoke, fragrances, change in weather, exercise, colds and flus. Identifying your triggers helps you to avoid them or at least minimize your exposure and/or be prepared i.e. have your blue/grey puffer and spacer handy!

2. Identify your asthma symptoms and keep track of them.

The four most common symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath & chest tightness. Keeping a written diary of your symptoms (rather than relying on memory) can be a great way to track your symptoms, for this you can use the breathing diary from AFNT a notebook or if you want to get fancy you can down load the Air Rater App .Using one of these methods can help you identify patterns and triggers and gives you something tangible to show your health care provider.

Your ability to recognise an increase/change in asthma symptoms and treating those symptoms early can be a game changer when it comes to keeping your asthma under control.

3. Learn about your asthma medicines and take them correctly.

This may mean having a review with AFNT to make sure you understand the role of reliever and preventer medications in treating your asthma.

This will include why you need to take your preventer even when well. Correct use of reliever medication including what symptoms to treat (cough, wheeze, chest tightness, short of breath) and how/when to premedicate and the importance of correct device technique.

4. Follow good health habits

This can include, quitting smoking/vaping, manage stress/mental health concerns, stay active, sleep well, eat well & stay hydrated

5. Manage other health concerns

Health concerns such as hay fever, reflux, weight, sleep apnoea can have a big impact on your asthma control (and vice versa). Maangaing these conditions well can greatly improve your health and general quality of life.

6. Know what to do when you have symptoms

Follow your asthma action plan to manage flareups. Don't have a written asthma action plan? Follow Asthma first aid (4x4x4)(emergencies/flareups). Know when to seek help.

7. Regular reviews

Yearly reviews with GP/AFNT are a great idea to review medication use and effectiveness and device use.

Yearly spirometry can help us understand if the treatment is working and if your condition is stable.

Your asthma action plan should be updated with your GP every year or with each medication change.

If symptoms are changing/increasing don't wait for your yearly review - see your GP ASAP.

The sooner you get on top of your symptoms, the better quality of life you can have.

Feel like you need help managing your asthma? Call 1800ASTHMA or 8981 6066 to speak to a respiratory health educator.