Key things you can do to manage your asthma
Use your inhaler correctly
Asthma and Lung UK has information about using your inhaler and you can ask a nurse or GP practice for advice if you’re still not sure. There is also an App which raises awareness about correct techniques of using an inhaler.
Follow your medication instructions
Preventer inhalers and tablets for asthma are usually taken every day. This can help keep your asthma under control and prevent attacks.
Check before you take other medicines
Always check the packet to see if a medicine is suitable for someone with asthma, and ask a pharmacist, doctor or nurse if you’re not sure.
Accept the vaccinations offered to you
It’s important to be up to date with any vaccinations you are eligible for such as the COVID-19 vaccination, the annual flu jab and the one-off pneumococcal vaccination.
Don’t smoke
Stopping smoking can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms. Learn more about stop smoking services in Norfolk and Suffolk by visiting our Healthy Lifestyles page.
Exercise regularly
Exercise should not trigger your symptoms once you’re on appropriate treatment. Asthma and Lung UK has advice about keeping active with a lung condition.
Cold weather
Cold weather is a common trigger for asthma symptoms. There are things you can do to help control your symptoms in the cold.
Do
- Carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times and keep taking your regular preventer inhaler as prescribed
- Keep warm and dry – wear gloves, a scarf and a hat, and try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in to at least 18°C
- Wrap a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth as this will help warm up the air before you breathe it
- Try breathing in through your nose instead of your mouth – your nose warms the air as you breathe
If you need to use your inhaler more than usual, speak to your doctor or nurse about reviewing your treatment.
There is information on county council websites for advice about ways to make homes cheaper to heat.
Hot weather
If you are prone to hay fever, or if your asthma is triggered by grass or pollen, it may be helpful to start taking any antihistamines before you start to develop symptoms.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure for asthma, reliever and preventer inhalers can help control the condition. It is also useful to identify and avoid environments which trigger your asthma.
You should have an annual asthma review at your GP practice to check you are on the correct treatment for your symptoms.
You will usually create a personal action plan with your doctor or asthma nurse. This will include information about your medicines, how to monitor your condition and what to do if you have an asthma attack.
If you do not have an action plan, please review your GP record online or ask your asthma team at your next review.
When to get medical advice
Please make sure you are familiar with your action plan and understand what it means for you. If you feel that your asthma is getting worse, follow the instructions outlined on the plan.
Please only attend A&E if you are having great difficulty breathing and your reliever inhalers are not working.
Please make sure you always have adequate supplies of medication and monitor weather forecasts at regular intervals for extremes of cold and heat. If you can’t get out due to bad weather, or for any other reason, please arrange for a relative or a friend to collect your medication for you. If this is not possible, speak to your regular pharmacy or dispensary about any support they can offer.
You can access healthcare services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there is an urgent need, you can obtain medical advice by visiting 111.nhs.uk or phoning NHS 111.
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