Easy Tips for Remembering to Take Your Asthma Medicine

Taking care of your asthma is not just about having the right medicine, it is about using it the right way. If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, your asthma can get worse. Here are some tips to help you stick to your treatment plan.

Why Is Taking Medicine the Right Way Important?

Asthma medicine does two important things:

1. Controller Medicines: These are taken every day to keep your airways calm. The medicine can lessen inflammation and swelling, prevent asthma attacks and help with chronic symptoms.
2. Rescue Medicines: These help quickly if you’re having an asthma attack.

If you skip doses or don’t use your medicine the right way, your symptoms can get worse, and you might have more asthma attacks.

What Makes It Hard to Stick to the Plan?
Sometimes, it’s hard to remember to take your medicine or stick to your asthma plan. Here are some things that people have problems with:

• Forgetting to take your medicine.
• Not liking the side effects of the medicine.
• Medicine being too expensive.
• Not understanding how or when to take it.
• Feeling fine and thinking you don’t need the medicine anymore.

Best Tips for Sticking to Your Asthma Plan

1. Learn About Your Medicine
   • Controller Medicines vs. Rescue Medicines: Know the difference. Controller medicines are for daily use, while rescue medicines are for emergencies.
   • Ask Questions: If you don’t know how to use your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
2. Set Up Reminders
   • Use phone alarms or apps to remind you when it’s time for your medicine.
   • Keep your medicine somewhere you’ll see it, like next to your toothbrush or breakfast table.
   • Use a pill organizer if you take more than one type of medicine.
3. Make It a Habit
   • Take your medicine at the same time every day.
   • Take it at the same time that you do something else, like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.
4. Talk About Costs
   • If your medicine cost too much, ask your doctor about cheaper options or prescription help programs.
   • Many companies and insurance plans offer discounts on asthma medicine.
5. Keep Track of Your Symptoms
   • Write down how you’re feeling each day to see if your medicine is working.
   • Keep track of any activities or areas that may increase symptoms (triggers).
   • Go over your asthma action plan with your doctor often, so it stays up-to-date.
6. Involve Your Family
   • For kids, make sure parents, teachers, or babysitters understand the asthma plan.
   • Teach everyone at home how to help in an emergency, like using a rescue inhaler.
7. Visit Your Doctor Regularly
   • Check in with your doctor to make sure your medicines are still the right ones for you.
   • These visits are also great for fixing any problems you’re having with your treatment.
8. Use Your Inhaler the Right Way
   • Using an inhaler wrong can make your medicine not work.
   • Have your doctor or pharmacist show you how to use it. Practice in front of them to be sure you’re doing it right.

Final Thoughts
Taking your asthma medicine the right way is key to staying healthy. By learning about your medicine, setting up habits, and working with your doctor, you can live a better, healthier life.

Resources

1. American Lung Association – Asthma Medications and Treatment www.lung.org
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Asthma Action Plan www.cdc.gov/asthma
3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) www.aafa.org
4. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) www.aaaai.org