Patient resources

Conditions & everyday care

Asthma

Know your inhalers and your written action plan.

Shared health guideCare location: General guides · Change country

Back to health topics

Understand the topic

Asthma

Asthma makes airways inflamed and narrow, which can cause cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. Symptoms and triggers vary. A written action plan helps you know your regular care and what to do when symptoms change. Your clinician chooses the medicines and instructions for you.

Your next steps after the visit

  1. Ask someone to watch your inhaler technique and explain each device.

  2. Keep your action plan, medicine names, and refill contact together.

  3. Tell your team about symptoms at night, activity limits, or trouble accessing medicines.

Questions for your care team

  • Which medicine is for which situation?
  • What should I do during a flare?
  • When do I need urgent help?

Sources behind this resource

References support this educational information. They do not imply endorsement. Ask your care team how general information applies to your plan.

General health references are listed below. National service links and schedules appear only for your selected country.

You may also need

This is an original educational resource by Helping Others Smile Foundation. It supports your care-team conversation and does not replace individual medical instructions.

Content version: 2.1 · October 12, 2026

Official sources checked: October 12, 2026

For a medical emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or 112 in India; elsewhere, use your local emergency number.