Your asthma action plan

It should name your inhalers, explain when and how to use them, list your warning signs, and give clear contact instructions. Some plans also use personal peak-flow readings when these are useful for the individual.

The stable part of the plan records regular treatment and what good control looks like for you. A worsening-symptoms section covers changes such as more wheezing, cough, chest tightness, night waking, reduced activity or needing reliever treatment more often than usual.

The emergency section describes signs of an asthma attack and the exact steps agreed for your inhaler type. This detail matters because people may use different regimens, including separate preventer and reliever inhalers or a combined maintenance-and-reliever approach.

Complete the plan with your doctor or asthma nurse and keep a copy where you can reach it quickly. Share an up-to-date copy with family, carers, school or workplace contacts when they may need to help. Carry the inhaler specified for symptom relief and use a spacer if your prescribed technique includes one.

Review the plan when medicines change, after an asthma attack, or when symptoms begin waking you or limiting normal activities. Practise inhaler technique with a healthcare professional and check medicine availability before travel. Record likely triggers without assuming that trigger avoidance replaces prescribed preventer treatment.

Follow the emergency section immediately if breathing becomes very difficult, you cannot speak or walk normally because of breathlessness, symptoms rapidly worsen, or the prescribed reliever is not helping. Sit upright, use your reliever exactly as your personal plan directs and call UAE emergency services if the plan tells you to do so or you are deteriorating.

Do not drive yourself during a severe attack. If symptoms improve after home treatment, arrange prompt clinical review because the episode may signal that regular treatment, inhaler technique or the written plan needs adjustment.

Confirm which inhaler is your reliever, the exact emergency instructions for that device, and whether peak-flow monitoring would help. Ask who to contact when symptoms worsen, when to book follow-up after an attack and how carers should assist.