Asthma Information Sheet for Patients

Asthma

To maintain good control of your asthma symptoms take your inhalers as prescribed and as advised by the doctor or asthma nurse.

You may be experiencing poor asthma control if:

1. You have difficulty sleeping due to asthma symptoms
2. You have asthma symptoms during the day
3. Your asthma has interfered with your usual activities (school/work/housework etc)
4. You are needing to take more reliever (blue inhaler) than normal

Asthma symptoms include:

Cough

Breathlessness

Chest tightness

Wheeze

If you are having increased symptoms or taking more reliever make an appointment for asthma clinic or with a doctor.

Asthma attack

You are having an asthma attack if:

1. You are not helped at all by your blue inhaler
2. Your symptoms are becoming worse – even after taking inhalers
3. You are too breathless to speak – CALL 999 for ambulance

WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE ASTHMA ATTACK

1. Take your rescue inhaler (usually blue) as directed
2. Sit down and try to take slow steady breaths
3. If you do not start to feel better continue to take 2 puffs of your reliever (Blue inhaler – Ventolin/Bricanyl) every2 minutes.  Take up to 10 puffs.
4. If there is no improvement or you are worried CALL 999 for an ambulance
5. If the ambulance does not arrive within 15 minutes repeat step 3 while you wait.

For further information consult www.asthmaUK.org.uk

AK 03/2012