ABOUT ASTHMA

This booklet is designed to help you understandasthma and the things you can do every day tohelp control symptoms.

As always, talk to your doctor for more information.*

Taking your medicine as directed by your doctor is one of the most important things you can do. Ifyou’re like most people, this may be easier saidthan done.

*The term “doctor” is used throughout this booklet to representyour healthcare provider and also includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Because the more you know, the better you’ll feel.

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What You’ll Find Where You’ll Find It

Asthma—What Is It? 4-5

My Asthma Goals—What Are They? 6-7

Asthma Medicines—How Do They Work? 8-9

My Treatment Plan—How Do I Take Action? 10-11

My Medicines—How Can I Get the Most From Them? 12-13

Sticking With My Medicines—What Will Work? 14-15

How Controlled Is My Asthma? 16-17

Childhood Asthma Control Test (for Children 4 to 11 Years Old) 18-19

My Doctor Visits—How Can I Get Ready? 20-21

Asthma Support—Where Can I Go for Help? 22-23

About My Asthma Care Record Back

PageAttitudes and Beliefs

Taking Medicines

Lifestyle

Help From Others

Talking With My Healthcare Team

Attitudes and Beliefs

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Asthma—What Is It?

The doctor says I have asthma. What’s

my plan?

Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs. When you breathe, air goes in and out of your lungs through small tubes called airways. With asthma, two main things may happen in the airways:

• Inflammation—the airways becomeinflamed and havemore mucus.

• Constriction—the muscles around the airways tightenand narrow the airways.

These airway changes make it harder to breathe and causeasthma symptoms.

What does asthma feel like?Asthma symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath,chest tightness, or wheezing.

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Inflammation

Constriction

What triggers asthma flare-ups?

Many common things may cause asthma flare-ups. These are called “triggers” and include:

Infections, such as colds or viruses

Allergens like dust mites, molds, pollen, and animal dander

Cigarette smoke and air pollution

Exercise

Weather changes

Strong emotions such as upset and stress

You can help prevent asthma flare-ups by staying away from the things that make your asthma worse. Ask your doctor for tips on how to avoid your triggers.

My doctor said asthma can’t be cured.

So why do I need medicine every day?

It’s true, there is no cure for asthma. But there are medicines to help you prevent asthma flare-ups and relieve asthma symptoms when they do occur.

Use the goal checklist on the next page. Set goals that you are ready to reach.

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Attitudes and Beliefs

Goal 4

Goal 3

Goal 2

You are the most important person in controlling your asthma.Talk with your doctor to help you choose one or more goalsyou are ready to work on now.

Asthma Flare-ups

I will have no asthma flare-ups (wheezing, coughing,shortness of breath, or chest tightness).I will sleep through the night without waking upbecause of asthma symptoms.

Controller Medicine

I will take my controller medicine(s) as directedevery day, even when I feel fine.I will ask questions when I don’t understand my doctor’s instructions.

Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicine

I will carry my quick-relief medicine with me and use it at the FIRST sign of asthma flare-ups.I will contact my doctor if I use my quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week over the course of a month.

Peak Flow Monitoring

I will check my peak flow levels as directed.My peak flow numbers will stay in the green zone (at least 80% of personal best peak flow).I will check my Asthma Action Plan if my peak flow is in the yellow or red zone.I will call my doctor if my peak flow number is in the red zone.

Goal 1

My Asthma Goals—What Are They?

Goal 8

Goal 7

Goal 6

Goal 5

Goal 9

Daily Activities

I will take part in my usual activities.

I will tell my doctor if asthma gets in the way of my work, home life, or studies.

Doctor Visits

I will keep my doctor appointments even when I feel fine.

I will ask my doctor if I have the right medicines.

I will talk with my doctor about ways to manage my asthma using my Asthma Action Plan.

Asthma Triggers

I will find out what makes my asthma worse and try to avoid these things.

Social Support

I will talk to family and friends about how asthma makes me feel.

I will consider joining an asthma support group.

I will let my doctor know if I feel sad or blue.

Asthma Emergencies

I will follow my doctor’s instructions if my asthma or breathing gets worse.

I will get emergency help right away if my peak flow is in the red zone.

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Taking Medicines

Asthma Medicines—How Do They Work?

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These medicines, used on an “as needed” basis, act quickly to relax the muscles around your airways. Your airways willopen up and help you breathe better fast.

• Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators are the preferred quick-relief medicine.

• Use your quick-relief (rescue) medicine during a flare-upor before you exercise.

• Talk to your doctor if you use your quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week.

Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicines

Take your asthma controller medicines as directed by yourdoctor. If you do, you:

• May have more days without asthma symptoms

• Won’t have to use your quick-relief medicine as often

• May have fewer asthma symptoms at night

• May breathe better

Ask your doctor to help you fill out the Asthma Action Plan on the next page. A plan can help you manage your asthma,especially during an asthma flare-up. If your asthma or breathing suddenly gets worse, follow your doctor’s instructions.

I worry about using inhaled steroids.

The steroids used to treat asthma are NOT the same as thesteroids some athletes take to build muscle. These steroids arecalled anabolic steroids. Ask your doctor about the differencesbetween steroids.

For complete information, including potential side effects anddrug interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines:Controller Medicines and Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicines.

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Your doctor may also prescribe an oral corticosteroid. It maybe used for short periods during moderate to severe flare-ups.

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Controller medicines help prevent asthma symptoms. They helpprevent or reduce the number of flare-ups you may have. The following are types of controller medicines:• Inhaled corticosteroids—Reduce inflammation; usually

recommended by experts as part of daily controller therapy• Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators—Relax the muscles

around the airways; always used with an inhaled corticosteroid• Other controller medicines

– Leukotriene modifiers—Block the effects of leukotrienes, oneof the chemicals produced with asthma

– Cromolyn/nedocromil—May block the release of chemicalsthat cause asthma symptoms

– Theophylline—May help control asthma symptoms; your doctor may need to check blood levels regularly

Controller medicines are taken every day, as directed by your doctor, even if you feel fine.

Controller Medicines

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Taking Medicines

MEDICINE HOW MUCH TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE IT

MEDICINE HOW MUCH TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE IT

Develop an Asthma Action Plan with your doctor. An Asthma ActionPlan can help you manage your asthma symptoms. It is based on your symptoms and peak flow numbers, which you use to find your“zone.” Your doctor will write the medicine to take in each zone.

• No cough or wheeze

• Can work and play

• Cough orwheeze

• Tight chest• Waking up

at night

• Quick-relief(rescue) medicineisn’t helping

• Breathing hardand fast

• Can’t walk or talk well

GET MEDICAL HELP NOW!

Peak flow above:________

Peak flow between:_____ and _____

Peak flow reading below:________

MEDICINE HOW MUCH TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE IT

Breathing is good.

You are having a flare-up.

You are having a serious flare-up.

Name:

Date: / /

Doctor/Phone:

My best peak flow reading when I am feeling fine:

Emergency: Call 911

My Treatment Plan—How Do I Take Action?

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Taking Medicines

Pharmacy contact name / phone number12

My Medicines—How Can I Getthe Most From Them?

Doctor’s office contact name / phone number

Name and Strength of Medicine

How Much I Take

When I Take It

I Take It for Dates to Refill Rx

Fill out a medicine chart like the one below and talk with your doctor or pharmacist. This will help you take the right dose, at the right time. Include all medicines that you take for all reasons.

Special Instructions

• Quick-relief (rescue) asthma medicines are used on an “as needed” basis.

• You may think you can stop using your asthma controllermedicine once you feel fine. But your controller medicineis the most likely reason why you feel fine. Your airwaysstill need it every day to treat and prevent symptoms.

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If you forget to take your medicines often:

• Wear a watch. Set an alarm.

• Leave yourself a note on the bathroom mirror.

• Use the counter on your asthma medicines to help youkeep track of the doses you take.

• Keep your controller medicine in a place where you willsee it daily.

If you forget to refill your medicine on time:

• Mark a calendar with “Refill on [date]”. Choose a date about a week before you will run out.

• Make sure you have enough refills to last you until yournext doctor visit.

• Ask your pharmacy to send you reminders to refill yourprescription.

Taking your asthma controller andquick-relief medicines as directed by your doctor is one of the mostimportant things you can do to stayhealthy.

Not taking your daily asthma controller medicine as directed by your doctor means:

• Your medicines will not work the way they should.

• You will likely have more asthma flare-ups.

• The asthma flare-ups you have may be more severe.

• Your asthma may become harder to control.

• You might not function as well at home, at school, or on the job.

I’m so busy. Taking medicine gets in the

way of my day.

The key is to create a routine that fits your life:

• Try taking your controller medicines with other dailyhabits, such as in the morning when brushing yourteeth or in the evening around dinner time. Check peakflow levels at the same time.

• Ask your doctor if there is a medicine you can take lessoften. A simpler medicine schedule may help you.

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Lifestyle

Sticking With My Medicines—What Will Work?

Use the Asthma Control Test on the next page to keeptrack of how well your asthma is controlled and howwell your medicines are working.

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Lifestyle

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How Controlled Is My Asthma?Take the Asthma ControlTest™ (ACT) for people 12 yrs and older.

Know your score. Share your results with your doctor.Step 1 Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.Step 2 Add up each score box for your total.Step 3 Take the test to the doctor to talk about your score.

1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Each response to the five Asthma Control Test™ questions has a point value from 1 to 5. To score, add up the point values for each response to all five questions.

If your score is 19 or less, your asthma may not be controlledas well as it could be. Talk to your doctor.

Copyright 2002, QualityMetric Incorporated.Asthma Control Test™ is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated. 17

Notes

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For an online version of the Asthma Control Test, witheasy scoring, go to www.asthmacontrol.com

None ofthe time

All of the time

Most ofthe time

Some ofthe time

A little ofthe time

More thanonce a day

Oncea day

3 to 6 times a week

Once or twice a week

Not at all

4 or more nights a week

2 or 3 nights a week

Once a week

Once or twice

Not at all

3 or more times per day

1 or 2 times per day

2 or 3 times a week

Once a week or less

Not at all

Not controlledat all

Poorly controlled

Somewhat controlled

Well- controlled

Completely controlled

1. In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work, at school or at home?

2. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

3. During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

4. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescueinhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol?)

5. How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

SCORE

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Childhood Asthma Control Testfor Children 4 to 11 Years Old

If your child’s score is 19 or less, it may be a sign that yourchild’s asthma is not controlled as well as it could be. No matter what the score, bring this test to your doctor to talkabout your child’s results.

Know the score.

This test will provide a score that may help your doctor determine if your child’s asthma treatment plan is working or if it might be time for a change.

How to Take the Childhood Asthma Control Test

Step A Let your child respond to the first four questions (1 to 4). If your child needs help reading or understanding the question, you may help, but let your child select the response. Complete the remaining three questions (5 to 7) on your own and without letting your child’s response influence your answers. There are no right or wrong answers.

Step B Write the number of each answer in the score box provided.

Step C Add up each score box for the total.

Step D Take the test to the doctor to talk about your child’s total score.

19or less

1

4

2

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Lifestyle (for Children)

Have your child complete these questions.

1. How is your asthma today?

2. How much of a problem is your asthma when you run, exercise or play sports?

3. Do you cough because of your asthma?

4. Do you wake up during the night because of your asthma?

A B C Yes, all of the time. Yes, most of the time. Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time.

A B C Yes, all of the time. Yes, most of the time. Yes, some of the time. No, none of the time.

A B C Very bad Bad Good Very good

Please complete the following questions on your own.

5. During the last 4 weeks, on average, how many days per month didyour child have any daytime asthma symptoms?

6. During the last 4 weeks, on average, how many days per month didyour child wheeze during the day because of asthma?

E D C B A Not at all 1-3 days/mo 4-10 days/mo 11-18 days/mo 19-24 days/mo Everyday

E D C B A Not at all 1-3 days/mo 4-10 days/mo 11-18 days/mo 19-24 days/mo Everyday

7. During the last 4 weeks, on average, how many days per month didyour child wake up during the night because of asthma?E D C B A

Not at all 1-3 days/mo 4-10 days/mo 11-18 days/mo 19-24 days/mo Everyday

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SCORE

TOTAL

0

0

0

1

1

2

2

3

3

012345

12345

12345

0

0

A B C It’s a big problem. It’s a problem It’s a problem It’s not a problem.

I can’t do what I want to do. and I don’t like it. but it’s okay.

0 1 2 3

1 2 3

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Talking With My Healthcare Team

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You and your doctor are a team in treating asthma. To get the most from your treatment, talk openly and honestly withyour doctor.

I don’t feel right asking my doctor

some questions.

• All questions are important. Do not be afraid to speak up if you do not understand something.

• Your doctor can help you with your treatment plan. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine or are not happy with your treatment plan.

• Ask a family member to join you for doctor visits. They can write down your doctor’s answers.

If you have trouble understanding what your doctor says:

• Ask how your medicine will help you and tell them if you have any concerns.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how andwhen to use your inhaler.

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My Doctor Visits—How Can I Get Ready?

Prepare before you go to your doctor’s office. Check off the statements that apply to you and discuss with your doctor.

Since my last visit:

I have taken my controller medicine(s) as directed every day most days some days not at all

I have used my quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week.

My medicines have caused side effects that bother me.

I have followed my Asthma Action Plan.

My peak flow levels have been in the green zone most of the time.

I have been awakened by my asthma symptoms (more than 2 times per month).

My asthma has caused me to miss work or other activities.

I have had emergency room visits or hospital stays due to asthma.

I have made progress on my asthma goals.You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you.But if you need to use it more than 2 times a week, talkto your doctor.

I’m having difficulty handling this all alone.

• Ask a family member or friend to support you, such as going with you to your next doctor visit.

• Ask your doctor about an asthma support group. You can find a group in your area at www.lungusa.org.

If you have trouble paying for your medicines: • Visit www.togetherrxaccess.com, www.gskforyou.com,

or www.PPARx.org for more information.

• Another option is to call 1-800-Medicare or visitwww.medicare.gov.

Have you felt down or hopeless?

It’s normal for people with asthma to feel down from time to time. But if you have been feeling down much of the time, talk to your doctor.

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Asthma Support—Where Can I Go for Help?

Help From Others

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“ For more help and information, contact one or more of these asthma resources:

Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics1-800-878-4403www.aanma.org

Asthma Control TestTM

Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKlinewww.asthmacontrol.com

The American Lung Association®

1-212-315-8700(includes information on local chapters and support groups)www.lungusa.org

Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)1-800-7-ASTHMA (727-8462)www.aafa.org

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)1-847-427-1200www.acaai.org

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI)1-800-822-ASMA (822-2762)www.aaaai.org

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To learn more about what may be getting in the way oftaking your medicines, go to www.takingmeds.com.

Many of the Web sites above are external to GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKlinedoes not have editorial control over the content of the information provided in theseWeb sites and therefore does not guarantee their accuracy and completeness.

About My Asthma Care RecordUse this chart to keep track of your doctorvisits and the progress you’ve made withyour asthma goals.

Sym

ptom

sM

edic

ine

& M

onito

ring

Read

ines

s

Each Visit—Questions to Answer / / / / / /

Number of days with asthma symptoms in past week

Number of times I used quick-reliefmedicine in past week

Number of nights asthma kept meawake or woke me in past month

Number of hospital visits due to asthma in past 3 months

My Asthma Control Test™ score

Do I take my controllermedicine(s) every day?

Is it time to refill my asthma medicine?

Do I use my inhalers and peak flowmeter the right way?

Do I have a current Asthma Action Plan?

Am I confident that I can follow myAsthma Action Plan?

Do I know my triggers and how toavoid them?

Have I scheduled my next asthmavisit? (at least every 6 months or asmy doctor recommends)

© 2007 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies All rights reserved. Printed in USA. HMI363RO July 2007