Having an action plan Every patient with asthma should have a written asthma action plan, developed with his or her health care provider, that includes instructions outlining what to do if a breathing problem occurs. Following your plan is critical to successfully managing your asthma. What to do when you experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or a drop in your peak-flow meter reading. What to do when a flare-up occurs. Emergency telephone numbers and the names of individuals to contact are also listed.
Some people carry it in their wallet, purse, or pocket.
Teachers and school nurses may also keep a copy of a student's action plan in their office. Some action plans are just a simple sheet of paper with written instructions, kept at work or placed on the refrigerator door at home. By actively self-managing your asthma, you can help keep it under control. And that has a lot of people breathing easier. To learn more about controlling asthma, speak to your Kaiser Permanente health care professional or health education expert.