Uncontrolled asthma can be a fierce animal that can change everything within minutes. I confess to letting asthma slide down our priority list from time to time. When you are feeling good, it is so ridiculously easy to forget maintenance medications and trigger avoidance. Let’s be honest, when you are feeling good, this is the last thing on your mind. BUT, this is the exact time we all need to pay closer attention and stay on track, especially if you are sending kids Back-to-School. Each school year brings new germs to children and their parents. My own daughter recently brought home some nasty little bug and my own asthma flared right up. Here are few quick tools to keep you on track and the good news is that they are free!
Tools to help you and your family manage Asthma
For grown-ups…
Six Steps for Managing Asthma from the American Lung Association
Respiratory Illness from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
How to Use a Spacer short video from the American Lung Association
September Asthma Peak: Clinical Trends and Practical Strategies Free Webinar from the Allergy and Asthma Network:
Information about how to use an Asthma Action Plan including a downloadable sample from the Allergy and Asthma Network is key in knowing what action is needed when experiencing symptoms. Another useful tool is the free Asthma Storylines App where you can track symptoms and daily asthma control. You can use it for yourself or for your family members.
For Kids…
Play Lungtropolis and fight the mucous mob from The American Lung Association. Note: there is a link for the kids to play the game and a webpage for parents full of asthma management how-to’s.
Wizdy Pets App helps littler ones play game that help support good asthma management.
Arthur Family Health from PBS kids offers a comprehensive Asthma education module which includes, games, video and information for both the parent and child regarding managing asthma.
Affordable Medications:
The Good RX app, which helps you with price comparisons by local pharmacies
Needymeds.org (Getting Started Tab) can help you find sliding scale clinics in your area, plus coupons if available.
The good news is that with a small amount of time and education, asthma can be controlled. I hope you take a short break and check out these resources. If I have missed a favorite, please comment below and let’s get it added to our list. As always, make an appointment with your physician to discuss how you will manage your asthma and other health needs. Each person’s health history and situation is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
disclaimer: None of the resources mentioned above paid me to dicuss them. I am a past officer of the American Lung Association regional board and past president of my local leadership board and am biased toward’s the great resources offered by all of these group’s mentioned as I have used them myself.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..