When you have asthma, you have many responsibilities. You may need to take multiple medications to control your signs and symptoms. You may need to take frequent peak flow readings to monitor how well your lungs are working. And you must be prepared for quick action at the first sign of an asthma attack.

How do you juggle these responsibilities? Get the instructions in writing.

To take control of your treatment, improve your lung function and avoid the emergency room, your doctor may recommend creating two written plans:

• A daily self-management plan for treating and monitoring your asthma
• An action plan that tells you what to do if your asthma gets worse

Consider the daily self-management plan a blueprint for managing your asthma. Although formats vary, most daily plans include:

• A list of treatment goals, such as freedom from severe symptoms, being able to participate in favorite activities and limited use of a rescue inhaler
• A list of daily medications, including when to take them and how much to take
• Directions for recording peak flow readings

As part of your daily self-management plan, your doctor may suggest keeping a daily asthma diary. In the diary, you'll record:

• Peak flow readings
• Asthma signs and symptoms
• Any activities you had to stop due to asthma signs and symptoms
• Medication use, including daily medications and the number of puffs taken from your quick-relief inhaler in a given day

To get started, try the sample self-management plan below. Remember that this is only an example. Work with your doctor to tailor the plan based on your needs.

Sample Daily Self-Management Plan (PDF file requiring Adobe Reader)

The action plan tells you how to prevent and treat asthma attacks. Although formats vary, most action plans include clear instructions to help you:

• Avoid asthma triggers. The action plan will list your asthma triggers — such as pollen, dust mites, mold, exercise, pet dander, smoke and respiratory infections — and tips for avoiding or minimizing your exposure to them.
• Recognize early warning signs and symptoms. These may include a drop in your peak flow rate, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness. Worsening signs and symptoms may wake you at night or occur after laughing or minimal exertion.
• Adjust medication. To prevent a severe attack, the action plan will indicate when to increase your dosage of inhaled corticosteroids or take additional medications, such as short-acting bronchodilators or oral corticosteroids. The plan will tell you how often to take these medications, how much to take and for how long.
• Seek emergency help. Some severe asthma attacks require medical help. Your action plan will include telephone numbers for your doctor's office, after-hours clinic, ambulance service, hospital, urgent care facility and emergency room. Note when it's appropriate to call your doctor and when you need more urgent care.

Try the sample asthma action plan below. Again, this is only an example. Work with your doctor to tailor the plan based on your needs.

Sample Adult Asthma Action Plan (PDF file requiring Adobe Reader).

Once your doctor has finalized your asthma action plans, keep them in a safe place. Share the plans with a family member or friend who can help you during an emergency. In addition, keep a copy in your wallet or purse in case an asthma attack occurs away from home.

Meet with your doctor periodically to review your action plans and revise them as needed. These checkups are also a good time to reassess self-management skills, such as proper medication usage and peak flow monitoring.

Remember, following your plans is the best way to improve your lung function and stay out of the hospital. Think of the plans as tools that empower you to achieve your goal of optimum asthma control.