Dear Patient,
Regarding your Annual Asthma Review
Thank you for responding to our request for information regarding your asthma management.
This has been reviewed by one of our asthma nurses and we are happy to confirm, based on your responses, your asthma is currently well-controlled on your current treatment.
This information is based on:
- Daytime symptoms
- Activity limitations
- Night-time symptoms
- Use of your reliever inhaler.
If you notice a change in any of these please call to discuss with one of our asthma nurses.
We will be prescribing a peak flow meter which you can pick up at your chemist, this will help measure your breathing capacity and alert you to changes in your asthma management.
We have provided some links for you to follow which will show you (links at the bottom of the page)
- How to use your peak flow meter
- Review inhaler technique
If you have any further questions please book a call with one of our asthma nurses.
If your symptoms at any time become unmanageable despite use of your reliever inhaler please escalate to 111/999 as necessary.
If you require this information printed please use the links below.
How to use a peak flow meter
How to use your inhaler (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
What to do if you suffer an asthma attack?
Symptoms of an asthma attack:
- your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheezing or tight chest)
- your reliever inhaler (usually blue) is not helping
- you're too breathless to speak, eat or sleep
- your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you cannot catch your breath
- your peak flow score is lower than normal
- children may also complain of a tummy or chest ache
The symptoms will not necessarily occur suddenly. In fact, they often come on slowly over a few hours or days.
What to do if you have an asthma attack
If you think you're having an asthma attack, you should:
- Sit upright (do not lie down) and try to take slow, steady breaths. Try to remain calm, as panicking will make things worse.
- Take 1 puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
- Call 999 for an ambulance if you do not have your inhaler with you, you feel worse despite using your inhaler, you do not feel better after taking 10 puffs or you're worried at any point.
- If the ambulance has not arrived within 15 minutes, repeat step 2.
Never be frightened of calling for help in an emergency.
Try to take the details of your medicines (or your personal asthma action plan) with you to hospital if possible.
If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, get a prompt appointment to speak to the asthma nurse.
Resources