Asthma Management Strategies for School, Work, and Home

An asthma management plan is crucial for staying in control of your condition.

Asthma Management Plan

No matter the time of year, having an asthma management plan is always a good idea. An asthma management plan is a written plan you develop with your doctor. The plan lists:

all your medications and instructions on when to take them
all your triggers
what to do if you have an asthma attack
when to call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room
who to contact in the event of an asthma emergency

Strategies to Help Manage Asthma Across Settings

At School:

Communicate with school staff. Make sure that the school nurse and teachers know your or your child’s asthma management plan and know how to recognize and respond to an asthma attack.
Keep medication at school. Send medication to school each day.
Avoid triggers. Work with school staff to make sure you or your child can avoid any triggers.

At Work:

Let your employer know you have asthma. Let your employer and colleagues know, so they can help keep a safe work environment.
Create an emergency plan. Share it with your employer so they know how to assist during an asthma attack. Your plan should include your medical information and an emergency contact person.
Stay aware of your environment. Track your work area to avoid potential triggers.

At Home:

Allergy-proof your home. To reduce triggers, plan to wash bed linens, vacuum, and use an air purifier.
Keep a routine. Follow your asthma management plan and take medication as prescribed.
Educate family members. Make sure everyone in your home knows your asthma plan and what to do in the event of an asthma attack.

Using these strategies, you can better manage your or your child’s asthma. Review your asthma management plan regularly and let school, work, and family members know about any changes.

Sources:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma/treatment-action-plan
https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/asthma-treatment-action-plan/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw59q2BhBOEiwAKc0ijTkbz7EDh9Veoc13lFc3vvHrKOifJBCLBW-W33bzw6sW3xCVMH68lRoCQkUQAvD_BwE