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Know the warning signs
Your asthma may be getting worse if you:
- use your reliever more often than usual
- wake up at night with coughing or wheezing
- find it harder to do everyday things
- have a lower peak flow than usual
Follow your action plan, and see your GP or asthma nurse soon.
Avoiding triggers
- Pollen: check the pollen forecast, keep windows closed on high pollen days, and shower after being outside
- Dust mites: wash bedding weekly at 60°C, and vacuum regularly
- Mould: keep rooms aired and deal with damp
- Pollution: check air quality forecasts and avoid busy roads when you can
- Colds: wash your hands often and keep up with vaccines
Exercise
Being active is good for your lungs. Warm up first, keep your reliever with you, and talk to your nurse if exercise often sets off your asthma.
Smoking and vaping
Stopping smoking, and avoiding other people's smoke, is one of the best things you can do. Your local stop smoking service can help, for free.
Travel and holidays
Take enough medicine for your trip, plus extra. Keep your inhaler in your hand luggage, and take a copy of your action plan.
Support
Asthma and Lung UK runs a free helpline with respiratory nurse specialists.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.