An asthma management plan is a blueprint for monitoring, treating and preventing asthma symptoms. Asthma patients can work with their physician to develop a treatment regimen that encompasses education, lung function measurement, lifestyle modifications, avoidance techniques and certain medications that prevent and treat symptoms. An asthma management plan should be adapted as necessary to the patient’s symptoms, needs and circumstances.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lower airways that leaves people susceptible to reactions when they encounter certain allergens or irritants. During an asthma attack, people may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.

There is no cure for asthma. Asthmatics have a chronic condition that will not disappear. However, asthmatics can take control of their condition and lead an active life that includes participating in normal activities. The goal of asthma therapy for adults and children over 5 is to maintain normal or near normal lung function. The following outcomes indicate that patients are successfully managing their asthma:

• Minimal or nonexistent chronic symptoms
• Minimal or nonexistent flare-ups
• No restrictions on physical activity
• No missed work or school days due to asthma
• No emergency room visits or hospital stays
• Minimal need to use short-acting inhaled beta-agonists
• Minimal or nonexistent side effects due to medications

To achieve such outcomes, patients can take several steps to monitor and reduce the symptoms of asthma. These include:

• Avoidance techniques. Limiting exposure to allergens and irritants that trigger symptoms.
  
  
• Lifestyle modifications. Noting asthma signs and symptoms, regular exercise and weight management are important lifestyle modifications that can reduce the risk of attacks.
  
  
• Medications. Certain medications can help prevent asthma symptoms, or control them once they appear. There are two forms of medications: long-term control and rescue medications. These medications are designed to be used in the appropriate situation by the patient. For example, rescue medications should not be used for long-term control needs. 
  
  
• Lung function measurement. Patients can use a small, hand-held device known as a peak flow meter to monitor changes in the status of their airways. Measurements taken with peak flow meters can warn patients of an impending asthma attack and alert them that they should take certain medication or contact their physician. Physicians can also use these measurements to determine the effectiveness of a treatment plan and whether or not any changes are necessary.
  

  

   
• Education. People often improve their control over asthma by learning more about it. Patients should research the topic and openly discuss their questions and concerns with their physicians. People can also benefit from joining a support group. These groups allow patients to share helpful tips and coping skills.  

Once an individual has been diagnosed with asthma, a physician will develop an asthma action plan with the patient to help monitor the condition. This is a plan to manage asthma symptoms and reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. A typical plan will contain the following elements:

• A list of specific symptoms that often precede an individual's asthma attacks
  
  
• Steps to take during an attack
  
  
• How to recognize a serious attack, and what to do about it
  
  
• How to recognize an emergency
  
  
• Changes in environment and behavior that can reduce the chances of an asthma flare-up

Since traveling often involves environmental changes that may affect asthma, patients should consult with their physician for asthma management techniques while traveling. For instance, physicians may be able to provide patients with tips for avoiding allergens (e.g., dust mites, mold) commonly found in cars, buses, trains, cruise ships, airplanes and hotel rooms.

It may also be beneficial for a patient to provide certain people (e.g., family, coworkers) with copies of their asthma management plan. This provides family and friends with the knowledge of how to respond when the patient cannot help him or herself. Asthmatics should also wear a medic alert bracelet in case of an emergency.