An asthma action plan can be vital for management of this
potentially life-threatening illness.  With an asthma action
plan in place, a patient is better able to take control of his
or her illness, mitigating symptoms and preventing attacks.  As
a result, an asthma action plan is a kind of insurance policy
for the asthmatic.

         A written asthma action plan can assist a patient or
caregiver to recognize the signs of worsening asthma.
Therefore, the asthma action plan should include notations about
the frequency or severity of symptoms, falling peak flows, or
bronchodilator use.   The asthma action plan can be
individualized for each patient.

          The reason for an asthma action plan is that, although
a possible explanation for a case of worsening asthma may be
apparent, symptoms tend to respond best to quick action.  Such
action is more likely to take place if a written asthma action
plan is on file.

           If you do not already have an asthma action plan in
place, you should ask your physician about writing one.  The
doctor may use an asthma action plan that is already available,
or may draw up one to suit your individual case.

           The need for an asthma action plan is great,
considering that approximately 15 million people in the U.S.
have asthma, five million of them children.  An asthma action
plan is also important because the condition causes two million
emergency room visits, half a million hospitalizations, and
4,500 deaths each year.

           In addition to looking to your doctor for advice, you
can also turn to the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of
Asthmatics, an organization that can help you in developing your
asthma action plan.  With the aid of this group, you can learn
to look for patterns in your illness--a crucial first step to
writing an asthma action plan.

          Ultimately, an asthma action plan can offer you peace
of mind.  The asthma action plan sets out in writing what needs
to be done in order to manage your asthma effectively.  Once you
have your asthma action plan in place, you may notice that your
health improves as a result. 

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