How to Care for Asthma in Adults and Children

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the airways, making it harder to breathe. It can affect both adults and children, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Managing Asthma at Home

Know the Triggers Common triggers include:

• 1

  Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pets)

• 2

  Cold air or weather changes

• 3

  Exercise

• 4

  Smoke or strong odours

• 5

  Respiratory infections

• 6

  Exercise.

• 7

  Try to avoid or reduce exposure to known triggers whenever possible.

Use Medication as Directed

• Quick-relief (rescue) inhalers: for fast symptom relief during attacks
• Long-term control medications: taken daily to prevent symptoms

There are two main types of asthma medications:

• A peak flow meter helps you track how well your lungs are working. By measuring how fast you can blow air out, it can show early signs of worsening asthma—even before you feel symptoms.

Always follow the doctor’s instructions regarding inhaler use. Keep inhalers close and make sure they are not expired.

• Take a deep breath and blow out hard into the meter
• Do this three times and record the highest number
• Check daily and compare to your personal best

How to use it:

• Green (80–100%) – Asthma is well controlled
• Yellow (50–79%) – Caution: follow your asthma action plan
• Red (below 50%) – Seek medical help immediately
• Ask your asthma nurse or doctor if you need help using your meter or interpreting results.

What the results mean:

Monitor Symptoms Regularly

• 1

  Use a peak flow meter if recommended, to measure how well the lungs are working.

• 2

  Keep track of how often symptoms occur.

• 3

  Record symptoms and medication use in a daily asthma diary.

• 4

  Record symptoms and medication use in a daily asthma diary.

Create an Asthma Action Plan

• Daily medications
• What to do when symptoms start
• When to use the rescue inhaler
• When to seek emergency care
• Share the plan with caregivers, teachers, or coaches if it’s for a child.

Work with your doctor to make a personalised plan that includes:

• Use air purifiers or filters at home
• Keep living areas clean and free from dust or mold
• Wash bedding in hot water weekly and avoid smoking indoors

Maintain a Healthy Environment

When to Call a Doctor or Go to the ER

Seek immediate medical help if:

• 1

  Breathing becomes very difficult or rapid

• 2

  There is wheezing that doesn’t improve with medication

• 3

  There is trouble speaking or walking due to breathlessness

• 4

  Quick-relief inhaler is needed more often than usual.