Asthma Information

Our goal is to help you to manage your condition well and to minimise the impact of the condition as far as possible.
 
More and more, people are taking control of their asthma by having a peak flow monitor at home  https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/manage-your-asthma/peak-flow/ and taking steps to improve their asthma.
These include learning how best to use their inhaler(s) and taking medication consistently. It also includes taking more exercise, stopping smoking and avoiding triggers where possible.
Above all, being as informed as possible, often sharing experiences with others and building healthy daily routines makes the biggest difference.
 
 

Your asthma investigations:

During the course of your investigations for asthma, you may need to keep a diary of your peak flow readings (how hard and fast you can breathe out through a peak flow meter). A few people may need more investigations or a trial of treatment to make a diagnosis. The most important thing is to keep a diary of symptoms and peak flow readings and use any medication consistently.

 

You are new to asthma

We will initially arrange an appointment with you to ensure you know what you need to do to gain control of your asthma. We will agree a care plan with you to help you to manage your asthma.

 

Peak flow meter and peak flow chart

Here is a chart to record your peak flow readings. Please read the information on how to use a peak flow meter. https://www.asthma.org.uk/86e2a328/globalassets/health-advice/resources/adults/your-peak-flow-diary.pdf

 Editable peak flow diary

If you don't have a peak flow meter these can be purchased online, from your local chemist or we can prescribe one.

 

Working with you to manage your adult asthma:

Step 1 - Make sure you know your peak flow target (from your last review and care plan) and record peak flow readings if you suspect that you have symptoms. Contact us for your peak flow meter and target if you don’t have either.

Step 2 - Each year we will send you a simple questionnaire (accurx change to add pfr question) to complete by text or email

Step 3 - When you’ve responded to the questionnaire, take a careful look at your existing asthma care plan – see links to care plan resources on our website if you don’t have a plan.

Step 4 - We will look at your questionnaire responses

Step 5 - If you have no symptoms and your peak flow is at least 80% of your target then we will send you an updated care plan. You are welcome to book in to a group video-consultation if you would like to. (link to group VC resources to follow). If either you have symptoms or you peak flow readings are NOT within your agreed normal range then we will invite you to a follow-up group video-consultation.

Step 6 - Please keep your care plan up to date to stay well and in control of your own health and wellbeing. Please continue to record peak flow readings if you suspect that you have symptoms and contact us as per your care plan.

 

Your care plan

Here are links to the downloadable care plans (link) which can help you manage your asthma.

Adult action plan - Asthma UK Child action plan - Asthma UK
Symbicort SMART action plan Fostair MART action plan
 

Asthma

 

Medication Advice & Inhaler Technique

 

Peak Flow

 

Asthma control self assessment test (ACT)

 

General Asthma Information

Understanding asthma Asthma triggers Asthma and your child
Diagnosing asthma Manage your asthma Inhalers, medicines and treatments
Asthma attacks Severe asthma Living with asthma
Asthma care in the NHS Your stories Resources
Recycle your inhalers    

If you cannot recycle your inhalers then please return them to your pharmacy (for safe incineration).

 If you put them in your normal household waste they  will  release more gases  (when added to  landfill)  which can add more  damage the climate.