New help for asthma control
24 November 2004

New help for people with asthma to take better control of their symptoms is available from today (24 November), as Asthma UK launches its 'Be in Control' resource pack.

Developed by healthcare professionals and tested by people with asthma, the pack includes four essential resources:

• 'Personal Asthma Action Plan' – tailored guidance from a GP or asthma nurse on how to recognise when symptoms are worsening and what action to take, including advice on stepping up medicine and what to do during an asthma attack.

• 'Making the Most of Your Asthma Review' – what to expect from an asthma review and what to discuss with your GP or asthma nurse to ensure better asthma control.

• 'Asthma Medicine Card' – important information about your medicines and when to take them, this is credit card-sized to fit into a purse or wallet.

• 'Your Peak Flow Diary' – for recording peak flow and/or symptoms regularly to make sure asthma is kept under control.

Personal asthma actions plans are proven to be one of the most effective ways of controlling asthma, yet only 3% of people with asthma in the UK currently use one. Asthma experts say that more than 3.5 million people whose lives are regularly restricted by asthma symptoms could benefit from having such a plan.

Charlotte Palmer, who has moderate asthma, has experienced for herself just what a difference a personal asthma action plan can make: 'I lived for so long with poorly controlled asthma that it ruled my life. However, now that I have a personal asthma action plan, I know how to control my asthma, recognise when my symptoms are worsening and know what to do to prevent an asthma attack. Now I control my asthma and I feel much healthier and happier as a result.'

Katie Shepherd, specialist asthma nurse on the Asthma UK Adviceline, said: 'Charlotte's story shows just how important it is for people with asthma to have regular reviews where they can discuss with their GP or asthma nurse how asthma is affecting their life, and work with them to devise or update their own personal asthma action plan.

'By using the 'Be In Control' pack to help with this process, people with asthma can take control of their condition and ensure that they are not restricted by unnecessary symptoms.'

For a free 'Be In Control' pack call Asthma UK on 020 7786 5000 or email info@asthma.org.uk.