Asthma Control: 5 Signs Your Asthma Action Plan Needs an Update

Are you hitting your rescue inhaler more often? Having trouble sleeping? Experiencing breathing issues more often? It’s likely time to revise your action plan. All asthma action plans need an update. Here are the signs that tell you when.

If you have asthma that’s severe enough to require treatment, then you also need an asthma action plan. It’s a written document that you develop alongside your medical asthma management team detailing the medications you take, as well as when to take them, your asthma triggers, and step-by-step instructions for handling asthma attacks.

The family medicine specialists at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, can help you create an effective action plan for your condition. More importantly, we can help you keep your plan current.

Conditions change over time and with the seasons, so your action plan isn’t a one-and-done document. It’s a dynamic tool that changes over time to ensure you’re receiving the care you need now, not last year or further in the past.

If you’re not already reviewing your plan with us at your annual physical exam, there are signs that you may be overdue for an update. Today, we’ll look at five of the most common.

1. Rescue inhalers

Many asthmatics use two types of medications: those that provide daily maintenance of their condition and those used to deal with asthma attacks. Rescue inhalers are meant only for occasional use, when breathing conditions become difficult.

Using a rescue inhaler too often is a sign that your action plan needs revision. A common benchmark for rescue inhalers is needing them more than twice a week, outside of expected uses such as with sports participation or exercise.

2. Sleep disturbances

Coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing that wakes you at night are all important signs that your current action plan isn’t meeting your needs. Inflammation isn’t controlled, and it’s likely that we need to adapt your maintenance medications to help you sleep through the night.

3. Environmental changes

Conditions change from season to season, or even in enclosed environments. Adding a pet or changing jobs may make your existing plan out of date. Talk to us about significant changes to your environments, including when allergies, cold weather, or other seasonal effects throw your asthma out of control.

4. Everyday activities

When exercise becomes more difficult, or when routine tasks aren’t as easy as they once were, it could be an indication that your lung function is in decline. Sometimes, it’s not easy to notice, because things change slowly. When you realize your action plan isn’t providing the control it once did, it’s time for review.

5. Serious attacks

Even one serious asthma attack could be an indication that your action plan needs review, particularly if it’s been a while since you last had serious symptoms or emergency room visits. Stay proactive and update your plan promptly.

Your asthma management plan is a living, breathing document that’s meant to change over time. The sooner you recognize changes, the smaller the adjustments are to bring your plan in line.

Contact Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, when it’s time to review your asthma action plan. If it’s been more than a year, then you’re due. Call or click to book your appointment with us today.