Asthma Information for Patients and Caregivers

Having asthma or caring for someone with asthma can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to help control asthma symptoms and lead a healthy life. 

To start, follow these steps to live well with asthma: 

1. Complete and follow an Asthma Action Plan. 
2. Know your Medications.
3. Know what triggers make your asthma worse and try to avoid them.
4. Get allergy testing to help identify allergic triggers.
5. Avoid all tobacco smoke.
6. Get a flu shot. People with asthma are at a high risk for complications from flu. Flu can trigger asthma attacks, worsen asthma symptoms, and lead to pneumonia. 

If your kids are in school, remember that they need a written Asthma Action Plan on file with the school nurse. This will ensure they get the medication they need, and that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Copies should be given to anyone else involved in child care as well.

You can also take steps to reduce your child’s exposure to environmental triggers that may be worsening their asthma, such as dust, mold, and secondhand smoke. Visit NH Healthy Climate to learn more about indoors and outdoor triggers.

Explore the links below and contact the NH Asthma Control Program or your healthcare provider for additional support.