If your asthma treatment isn’t working for you, it may be because you have a different type of asthma.
Below, you’ll find tools to start a conversation with your doctor about asthma. Your doctor may be able to help you better manage your condition and live your life without asthma defining you.
HELPING YOU DEFINE YOUR ASTHMA
Developed by an international team of patients, advocacy groups and experts as part of an initiative led by GAAPP, this new checklist can help you spot the signs that you need to have a conversation with your doctor about asthma. If any of the ‘clear’ (Red) signs apply to you, you should see your doctor who may refer you to a specialist. A specialist will be able to check if you do have a different type of asthma, and give advice on what to do next. If some of the ‘concerning’ (Yellow) signs apply to you, or you are worried about the impact of asthma on your life, speak with your doctor during your next appointment or asthma review.
To use this interactive checklist simply select the box for any sign that applies to you and then download your own personal copy below.
CLEAR SIGNS
- I regularly visit the emergency services or have stayed in hospital
- I am often absent from work or school due to asthma
- I often feel like nothing works to help with my symptoms
- I often feel that asthma is controlling my life
- I am scared of dying from asthma
- My disease is unpredictable with regular asthma attacks (flare-ups)
- I have symptoms that never go away
- I have had two or more sets of steroid tablets in 12 months
- I use my reliever/rescue medication more than twice a week even though I take my controller inhaler(s) and tablets
- I regularly use nebulizers to relieve my symptoms
CONCERNING SIGNS
- I cannot do the things that I want to do, like exercise or household chores
- I often need help from someone to conduct my daily activities, like cooking or laundry
- Asthma puts a stress on my relationships
- I am often forced to make unwanted changes in my daily life
- I often feel depressed or anxious due to asthma
- I often feel isolated and alone
- I often feel like I have a heavy weight pushing down on my chest
- My coughing often interferes with my normal activities
- My symptoms often keep me awake at night
- I cannot walk upstairs without becoming short of breath
- I forget to take my controller inhalers
- I am afraid of the side effects of my asthma medications
DOWNLOAD YOUR CHECKLIST
OR SEND BY EMAIL
To help you start a conversation with your doctor, try downloading this checklist to take with you to your appointment.
SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR ASTHMA
We asked the severe asthma community to share their experiences with the condition so we could create a guide to help others. The guide brings together their thoughts, feelings, practical tips and advice, coupled with articles from severe asthma specialists.
LIVE LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS
Don’t suffer in silence – if your treatment for asthma isn’t working for you, it may be because you have a different type of the condition. Simply speaking to your doctor could give you the chance to get your life back on track.
Developed by an international team of patients, advocacy groups and asthma experts as part of an initiative led by GAAPP, this new checklist can help you spot the signs that you need to have a conversation with your doctor about asthma.
Define Your Asthma is led and coordinated by Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) in partnership with their member organisations. The campaign is supported by GSK, via independent communication agency support and an educational grant.