During an asthma attack, the airways swell and narrow. This makes it hard to breathe. Asthma is a lifelong problem, but it does not have to limit you. If you take charge of your asthma, you can lead a full and active life.

You and your doctor will make an asthma action plan that outlines the two approaches to taking charge of asthma:

• Controlling asthma over the long term. Daily controller medicine helps reduce the swelling of your airways and prevent attacks.
• Treating attacks when they occur. The action plan will outline the steps to take and medicine to use to treat asthma attacks.

Using the asthma action plan also helps you keep track of your asthma and know how well your treatment is working.

If you or your child has been recently diagnosed, it may seem like there is a lot to remember. But the things you need to do to take charge of your asthma are really quite simple. With some practice, they will become part of your normal routine.

 What do you need to take charge of your asthma?
 Why is it important to take charge of your asthma?
 How to take charge of your asthma
 Where to go from here