Asthma treatments can help control symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. But there are other things you can do to live well with asthma.
These things include:
- creating a plan to manage your asthma
- monitoring your symptoms at home
- avoiding asthma triggers
- doing physical activity
- looking after your mental health
- getting support if you need it
Creating a plan to manage your asthma
An asthma action plan helps you to manage your asthma.
You make this plan with your GP, asthma nurse or at your integrated care hub (care hub).
The plan includes information on:
- your medicines and how to take them
- how to control your symptoms
- what to do if you have an asthma attack
- how to know if your symptoms are getting worse and what to do
- emergency contact information
Asthma action plan - asthma.ie
To get a printed plan, you can call the Asthma Advice line on 1800 44 54 64.
Using your asthma action plan
To make sure your plan works for you:
Do
-
keep your plan up to date with information about any medical visits or changes to your medicines
-
bring your plan to every appointment
-
check your plan every month and at your review appointments
-
share your plan with family and people at your work or activities so they know what to do if you have an asthma attack
Asthma review appointments
You'll have routine appointments with your GP or asthma nurse.
They may:
- ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your normal activities
- ask you about your medicines and any side effects
- do breathing tests
- suggest joining the chronic disease management programme if you have a medical card or GP visit card
You can also ask questions and discuss any other issues you have.
If your asthma becomes difficult to control, they may refer you to a care hub.
Monitoring your asthma at home
Use your peak flow meter to monitor your asthma at home.
A low peak flow score may be a sign that:
- your asthma is getting worse
- your medicine is not working well
- you're having an asthma attack
Do not do a peak flow test if you think you are having an asthma attack. Follow the steps in your asthma action plan.
Where you can get a peak flow meter
You can buy a peak flow meter from pharmacies.
You may also get 1 through your care hub or hospital team.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- your peak flow score is low
- you use your reliever inhaler 2 or 3 times a week or more
Avoiding asthma triggers
Asthma symptoms can happen after exposure to a trigger. Your symptoms may start immediately or a few hours after exposure.
Keep a diary of your asthma symptoms and attacks to help you find your asthma triggers. Measuring your peak flow before and after exposure to a possible trigger may help.
Avoiding triggers can help you control your symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Learn about common asthma triggers and how to reduce the risk from them.
Illnesses
Viruses such as colds and flu can inflame your airways and cause them to make more mucus. This can make it harder to breathe or trigger an asthma attack.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors that can trigger asthma include smoking and eating certain foods.
Allergies
Allergies to dust mites, animals or pollen can trigger asthma.
Medicines
Some medicines can trigger asthma symptoms. Tell your GP or care hub team if any medicines seem to trigger your asthma.
Environment
Environmental factors such as weather conditions or air pollution can trigger asthma.
Asthma and physical activity
Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It can help improve lung capacity and reduce asthma symptoms.
Your GP may refer you for pulmonary rehabilitation if you have symptoms of asthma and COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and education programme that helps you to stay active if you have breathing difficulties.
To exercise well with asthma:
Do
-
take your asthma medicines and other allergy medicines as prescribed
-
have your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise
-
warm up for at least 10 minutes to help your body prepare for more vigorous exercise
-
avoid exercising outside when the pollen count is high if you have allergic asthma
-
cover your mouth and nose with a loose scarf if the air is cold
-
share your asthma action plan with the people you exercise with
If you have asthma symptoms during exercise
Exercise should not trigger your asthma when your asthma is under control.
If you have asthma symptoms during exercise:
- Stop exercising.
- Use your reliever or MART inhaler.
Wait at least 5 minutes until you can breathe easily and have no symptoms before you start again.
Asthma and your mental health
Many people with asthma can have feelings of stress, anxiety or depression.
You may find it helpful to talk about your experience of asthma with others. Ask your GP about your nearest asthma support group.
If you feel you're struggling to cope, talk to your GP. They can give you advice and support.
Asthma and pregnancy
Asthma does not affect your chances of having children. But your asthma symptoms may change during pregnancy.
Talk to your GP if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. If your asthma symptoms change, they may need to review your treatment. There is a risk of complications if your asthma is not under control during pregnancy. For example, pre-eclampsia or premature birth.
Most asthma medicines are considered safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Talk to your midwife about how to keep your symptoms under control during labour. They may need to take extra precautions. But asthma attacks during labour are rare.
Support for asthma
Support is available to help you manage your asthma.
Asthma Society of Ireland
Asthma Society of Ireland provides information and advice on asthma.
Freephone: 1800 44 54 64
Send a WhatsApp message to 086 059 0132
Support information - asthma.ie
Living Well programme
Living Well is a free programme for people with a long-term health condition. It provides workshops and resources to help you manage your condition better.
Healthcare costs
To help with healthcare costs, you may be eligible for a:
