Asthma: Taking charge of your asthma

During an asthma attack, the airways swell and narrow. This makes it hard to breathe. Asthma is a lifelong problem, but it does not have to limit you. If you take charge of your asthma, you can lead a full and active life.

There are two parts to taking charge of asthma:

• Controlling asthma over the long term. You and your doctor can make a daily treatment plan that helps reduce the swelling of your airways and prevent attacks. Using a daily treatment plan also helps you keep track of your asthma and know how well your treatment is working.
• Treating attacks when they occur. An asthma action plan can help you prevent and treat attacks.

If you or your child has been recently diagnosed, it may seem like there is a lot to remember. But the things you need to do to take charge of your asthma are really quite simple. With some practice, they will become part of your normal routine.

 What do you need to take charge of your asthma?

 Why is it important to take charge of your asthma?

 How to take charge of your asthma

 Where to go from here

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