What's in Your Asthma Toolbox?

This is a question I get asked quite frequently: What’s in your asthma toolbox? People ask me what I recommend that they include in their toolbox. While things may differ from person to person, I wanted to take some time to talk about a variety of things that you can include in yours.

What’s in my asthma toolbox

Medications

This one is pretty obvious. Keep all of your daily asthma medications in one place. Except for any extra rescue inhalers you may have, multiples of which to keep in various places for easy access. This way, you will always know where it is. Be sure to keep track of your dosages so you know when to request a refill before you run out. Not all inhalers have counters, so make sure to write down when you started a new one.

Spacer

Using a spacer is very important with your metered-dose inhaler. It helps more of the medication reach the lungs vs. the back of the throat. If you don’t have a spacer, ask your doctor for one at your next visit. If your doctor's office doesn't give them out, you can either ask for a prescription for one to be picked up at a pharmacy or order one online. There are many different brands of spacers, but they all do the same thing. Spacers aren't meant to be used with dry powder or Respimat inhalers.

Peak flow meter

Daily peak flow charting is an important part of asthma monitoring. Keep a graph going, either on paper or on a cell phone app, to track trends, etc. Often, an asthmatic's peak flow number starts to decline before they experience any symptoms. Be sure to do your peak flow twice a day (morning and night) BEFORE taking your medications. It will give a more accurate reading.

Nebulizer

If having a nebulizer is part of your treatment plan, try to always keep it in the same place, much like your daily medications. Many people will keep it on their bedside table for easy access. I personally have a nebulizer in my bedroom, next to my plastic box with the rest of my asthma supplies. I also have a tiny portable nebulizer that is convenient for traveling. But when it’s not in use, it stays in the box.

Asthma action plan

If you do not have an asthma action plan, make sure to ask your doctor for one the next time you see him/her. They are so important to have. It will include your daily medications, green-yellow-red zones for peak flow measurements, and tell you exactly what to do when your asthma starts flaring and when to call the doctor or seek emergency medical care. I have an action plan myself. You might find that silly, considering I’m a respiratory therapist and know a whole heck of a lot about the lungs. When you're struggling, it definitely comes in handy to see it in front of you, even when you're struggling to breathe, for me.

What’s in your asthma toolbox?

These are just a few examples of things you can keep in your asthma toolbox. What you include is totally up to you! I would love to hear what other things you have found helpful that you include in yours! Let me know!