Ruth Baker, Aug 2022

My asthma review

I should have at least one routine asthma review every year. I will bring:

• my action plan to see if it needs updating
• any inhalers and spacers I have, to check I’m using them correctly and in the best way
• my peak flow meter if I use one
• any questions about my asthma and how to cope with it.

Taking my asthma medicine every day will help reduce my reaction to these triggers. Avoiding them where possible will also help.

I have no known asthma triggers or allergies. My asthma can be worse in hot weather or if I'm unwell.

Medicines and devices I use for my asthma:

My asthma is being managed well:

• With this daily routine I should expect/aim to have no symptoms.
• If I have not had any symptoms or needed my reliever inhaler for at least 12 weeks, I can ask my GP or asthma nurse to review my medicines in case they can reduce the dose.
• My personal best peak flow is: 740

My daily asthma routine:

My preventer inhaler

Fostair NEXThaler (pink/white)

I need to take my preventer inhaler every day even when I feel well.

I take 1 puff(s) in the morning and 1 puff(s) at night.

My reliever inhaler

Fostair NEXThaler (pink/white)

I take my reliever inhaler only if I need to

I take 1 puff(s) of my reliever inhaler if any of these things happen:

• I’m coughing
• I’m wheezing
• My chest feels tight
• I’m finding it hard to breathe

My asthma is getting worse if I’m experiencing any of these

• My symptoms are coming back (wheeze, tightness in my chest, feeling breathless, cough).
• I am waking up at night.
• My symptoms are interfering with my usual day-to-day activities (eg at work, exercising).
• I am using my reliever inhaler three times a week or more.
• My peak flow drops to below: 590 (80%)

⚠️ If you need your reliever inhaler more than every four hours, you need to take emergency action now. See section 3.

What I can do to get on top of my asthma now

If I haven’t been using my preventer inhaler, I’ll start using it regularly again or if I have been using it:

• Carry my reliever inhaler with me when I’m out.
• Take my reliever inhaler as needed up to a maximum 8 puffs (excluding preventer dose).

⚠️ See a doctor or nurse within 24 hours if you get worse at any time or you haven’t improved after seven days.

When I feel worse

Other advice from my GP about what to do if my asthma is worse:

I’m having an asthma attack if I’m experiencing any of these

• My reliever inhaler is not helping or I need it more than every four hours.
• I find it difficult to walk or talk.
• I find it difficult to breathe.
• I’m coughing a lot, or I have a very tight chest, or I’m wheezing a lot.
• My peak flow is below: 440 (60%)

What to do in an asthma attack

1. Sit up straight - try to keep calm.
2. Take a maximum of 6 puffs in one episode
3. If you feel worse at any point OR you don’t feel better after 6 puffs call 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, you can use your blue Ventolin inhaler.
5. Take one puff of your blue reliever inhaler every 30-60 seconds up to 10 puffs.
6. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 5, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 or 112 again immediately.

Other advice from my GP about what to do if my asthma is worse:

After an asthma attack

• If you dealt with your asthma attack at home, see your GP today.
• If you were treated in hospital, see your GP within 48 hours of being discharged.
• Finish any medicines they prescribe you, even if you start to feel better.
• If you don’t improve after treatment, see your GP urgently.

❗ If you dealt with your asthma attack at work, inform HR to report the incident, so that triggers can be monitored in the workplace.