A written asthma action plan drawn up between a healthcare professional and patient means you are four times less likely to have to go to hospital for your asthma.

A personalised asthma action plan (PAAP) will have the information on that you need to look after your asthma well.

• What medication you need to take daily and when to use your reliever inhaler
• What to do if asthma symptoms are getting worse
• What to do if you are having an asthma attack.

Your doctor or asthma nurse should help you fill in your plan, you can download a copy on the Asthma and Lung UK website and take this with you to your asthma appointments. Young People over 12 might like to use an adult asthma action plan instead.

You should share your asthma plan with your teachers, carers, extended family, or anyone looking after you.

Asthma UK’s Asthma Action plan for individuals over 12 years old is available in translations across 11 additional languages, allowing people who do not speak English to access the important information on managing their asthma in their native tongue. Visit Health advice resources – Asthma + Lung UK.

Less than three-quarters of children and young people know how to use their inhaler. Poor inhaler technique means patients don’t get the full benefit of their asthma medication.

How can I tell if my inhaler is empty?

Some inhalers have a dose counter – this tells you how many puffs or sucks are left in your inhaler before it runs out. If it reads zero it tells you there is no medicine left and you should get a new one.

But some puffer inhalers (called metered dose inhalers) don’t have dose counters, so how can you tell if your inhaler is empty?

Find out more in this guidance document produced by Beat Asthma UK How can I tell if my inhaler is empty.docx.

You should have an asthma review with your doctor or asthma nurse every 12 months and after an asthma attack. Remember to take any asthma inhalers and spacers you use to your appointment, so your doctor or nurse can review your inhaler technique.

An asthma review by an appropriately trained clinician after every attack helps to work out what went wrong so you can adjust your asthma management plan as needed.

Indoor and outdoor air pollution can trigger your asthma. Thinking about air pollution as part of your asthma management can help reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Smoking, or breathing in someone else’s smoke, means you’re at risk of asthma symptoms and an asthma attack.

Babies or young children who are around people smoking take more smoke into their lungs than adults.

And because they're still growing, and their immune system isn't fully developed yet, they're at greater risk from the toxins given out in the smoke.

They’ll be more likely to have chest infections and wheezing and coughing. And could be more at risk of an asthma attack. They’ll also be more likely to go on to develop asthma as they get older.

Help to quit smoking is available in Lincolnshire from One You Lincolnshire, if you are over 12 years old and smoke tobacco.

Their 12-week stop smoking programme means you’ll be 4 times more likely to quit, for good. They’ll look at your history, help you set goals and offer follow-up support and Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). https://www.oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk/pathway/be-smoke-free

If you have asthma, it’s important to be aware of air pollution levels and know what to do if the levels are high. The British Thoracic Society recommend using the DEFRA air quality forecast to check the air quality in a specific area. There is also useful advice on what to do if the air pollution level is higher than normal, for example reducing the amount of strenuous activity you do that day or walking a to school by a different route to help prevent bringing on asthma symptoms.

VIDEO: NHS Air pollution and you - how to reduce your exposure to air pollution

Damp and mould in your house can make you asthma symptoms worse. Mould and damp are usually caused by excessive moisture, which can be from leaking pipes or roofs, rising damp (water than comes up from the ground), or condensation. Condensation is caused by water moisture from inside the home coming into contact with a colder surface, such as a window or wall. The water drops (or condensation) may then soak into the wallpaper or paintwork or even plasterwork and attract black mould to grow on its surface.

Condensation mainly occurs during the colder months, whether it is rainy or dry outside, and is usually found in corners and north facing walls, on or near windows; also in areas of little air circulation such as behind wardrobes and beds, especially when they are pushed up against external walls.

To prevent damp and mould repair any leaks as soon as possible or if you are rented accommodation let your landlord know.

Prevent condensation by:-

• Keeping your home well aired (opening windows) and warm
• When cooking keep lids on your pans and use the extractor fan if you have one
• Use extractor fans in the bathroom when having a shower or bath
• Dry washing outside whenever possible
• Don’t dry clothes on radiators. This will make your boiler work harder to heat your house and cost almost as much as using a tumble dryer, whilst creating a lot of condensation
• If you have to dry clothing indoors and don’t have a tumble dryer, place clothes on a drying rack in a room where a window can be opened slightly and keep the door closed
• No drying rack? Put your clothes on hangers and hang from a curtain pole above a slightly opened window
• If using a tumble direr make sure the vent goes outside
• Leave gaps between furniture and walls so that air can circulate

A guide to condensation, damp and mould.pdf (connecttosupport.org)

If you are concerned about damp and mould or other issues in your house and would like advice you can find information at Good Home Lincs | Lincolnshire (connecttosupport.org). You may also want to complete the health homes assessment Healthy Home Assessment | Lincolnshire (connecttosupport.org) which helps you to identify potential hazards, repairs and maintenance jobs, or home improvements to keep you safe, warm and well at home.