Using a self-management plan can give you much greater freedom and control over your asthma. You can monitor with the Asthma Assistant as part of your plan.

Case Study

Name:Janet
Age:26 years

Background
Janet has been working closely with her doctor to manage her asthma at home. A new plan has just been agreed with her doctor. Part of her plan says that if her peak flow readings fall into her yellow zone for two days in a row and/or her diurnal variation goes above 20% two days in a row, she should double her daily dose of preventer medication.

Monitoring With The Asthma Assistant
Janet monitors her asthma using the Basic Daily Card. Here we will look at Janet's Basic Daily Report showing a 10 days of monitoring.


Janet's morning peak flow reading dropped into her yellow zone on the 3rd and 4th of November. Her diurnal variation also increased above 20% and she notes coughing at night. Following the instructions of her self-management plan, Janet doubled her dose of daily preventer inhaler immediately. The following day her morning peak flow is still in her yellow zone but slightly higher. Her diurnal variation is also above 20% but the next day both these values have returned to within her normal range.

Summary
In this example Janet successfully increased her medication without the need to consult her doctor. Monitoring at home with the asthma assistant as part of her self-management has enabled her to achieve greater control over her condition. The reports enable her and her doctor to keep documented record of her progress.