Asthma can be challenging to live with, but there are some techniques you can use to make it a little easier. Each of these techniques focuses on you becoming an active part of your treatment plan. A well-controlled asthma patient should be able to perform most activities without having an asthma attack or other symptoms. If you think that your asthma interferes with your day-to-day life, contact your doctor right away.

Keep a Diary

Find a small notebook you can carry with you and record your asthma symptoms each time they occur. Be sure to include the location, time of day, weather, and what you were doing right before the symptoms began. Many asthma sufferers notice their symptoms are worse during times of the year with a high pollen count. Before you know it, you’ll have a better understanding of what your asthma triggers are so that treatment can begin.

Check your Lungs

Your doctor will probably give you something called a peak flow test to check how well your lungs are functioning. The most common type of lung check is a peak flow test which works by measuring how much air can escape from your lungs without triggering asthma symptoms. Each time you perform a lung check at home, you should add the results into your asthma diary to show your doctor at the next appointment. Other forms of lung tests can be performed in the office by your doctor as well.

Alter Your Treatment Plan

If you feel that your asthma is still interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s time to make a change. Consult your primary care provider to learn more about the treatment options available to you and how they would work to fix your symptoms. Take the time to discuss an emergency asthma plan too in the event of an attack. If you find yourself needing to use the emergency treatment plan more than twice a week, it’s time to adjust your preventative medications accordingly.

While you work to find the perfect combination of these techniques to control your asthma, try to avoid any unnecessary triggers. Those may include endurance activities, cold weather, and pollen. Controlling your asthma may even help lower the dose of your medication! Your asthma management plan will be an ongoing process. Try to find a physician that you trust and feel comfortable with to see the best results.