ASTHMA

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease that makes it hard to breathe. It affects the lungs and airways. When someone has asthma, their airways can get swollen, tight, and filled with mucus. This makes breathing hard, especially during an asthma attack.

What Causes Asthma?

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes asthma, but it can run in families. Some things called triggers can make asthma worse, like:

• Dust
  
  

• Pollen from trees or flowers
  
  

• Mold
  
  

• Pet hair or dander
  
  

• Smoke
  
  

• Cold air
  
  

• Strong smells like perfume or cleaning products
  
  

• Exercise
  
  

• Colds or flu
  
  

Asthma Symptoms

• Coughing
  
  

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
  
  

• Tight feeling in the chest
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

Treatments for Asthma

Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled with medicine. These include:

• Inhalers – medicine that helps open the airways
  
  

• Daily controller medicines – taken every day to stop swelling
  
  

• Rescue inhalers – used during asthma attacks or when symptoms get worse
  
  

• Nebulizer treatments – a mist of medicine breathed in through a mask
  
  

Take your medicine the way your doctor tells you.

How to Reduce or Prevent Asthma Flare-Ups

• Stay away from triggers
  
  

• Take medicine every day, even if you feel fine
  
  

• Keep the home clean and free of smoke
  
  

• Use air filters and keep pets away from your bed
  
  

• Wash your hands often
  
  

• Get a flu shot every year
  
  

What is a Peak Flow Meter and Why is it Important?

A peak flow meter is a small tool that shows how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. Your peak flow number tells how open your airways are.

You should check your peak flow every day and write down the number.

• Green zone: breathing is good
  
  

• Yellow zone: warning sign that asthma might get worse
  
  

• Red zone: emergency – get help right away
  
  

Knowing your normal peak flow helps you see when problems are starting.

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

• You use your rescue inhaler more than usual
  
  

• You cough more or can’t sleep well
  
  

• Your peak flow number is lower than normal (yellow zone)
  
  

• You have cold or allergy symptoms
  
  

• You are out of medicine
  
  

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER or call 911 if:

• You are too out of breath to talk or walk
  
  

• Your rescue inhaler doesn’t help
  
  

• Your peak flow is in the red zone
  
  

• You feel confused or very tired
  
  

• Your lips or nails look blue or gray
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

PATIENT HOMEWORK/Assessment

Write true or false before each statement.

1. True or False: Asthma only happens to adults.
   
   

2. True or False: Asthma makes it harder to breathe because the airways get tight and swollen.
   
   

3. True or False: Pet hair, smoke, and pollen can all be asthma triggers.
   
   

4. True or False: Asthma attacks are always caused by eating spicy food.
   
   

5. True or False: A rescue inhaler is used every day even when you feel fine.
   
   

6. True or False: A controller inhaler helps stop your airways from getting swollen.
   
   

7. True or False: Asthma has a cure that makes it go away forever.
   
   

8. True or False: A peak flow meter shows how well you can blow air out of your lungs.
   
   

9. True or False: You should check your peak flow only when you feel sick.
   
   

10. True or False: The green zone on a peak flow meter means your breathing is normal.
    
    

11. True or False: The red zone means you should go to the emergency room.
    
    

12. True or False: You should avoid things that trigger your asthma.
    
    

13. True or False: It’s okay to stop taking your daily medicine when you feel good.
    
    

14. True or False: Cold air can make asthma symptoms worse.
    
    

15. True or False: You should call your home health nurse if your peak flow is lower than normal.
    
    

16. True or False: You should go to the ER if your lips or nails turn blue or gray.
    
    

17. True or False: Getting a flu shot can help protect your lungs if you have asthma.
    
    

18. True or False: Asthma can be controlled by taking the right medicines and avoiding triggers.
    
    

19. True or False: Strong smells like perfumes or cleaning products can be asthma triggers.
    
    

20. True or False: You only need to take asthma medicine when you are having an attacks.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

My safe Peak flow zone is____________________

Have you experienced wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing, especially at night, during exercise, or around allergens?

How often do your breathing symptoms limit your daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or playing sports?

Do you notice specific triggers, like dust, pollen, smoke, or cold air, that make your symptoms worse?

Have you used any inhalers or medications for breathing, and how effective have they been in controlling your symptoms?

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911