Caring for someone with asthma can be challenging! Here are 10 tips to help you be a better caregiver:

1. Recognise asthma symptoms: Know the signs of an asthma attack,¹ including chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Act quickly if symptoms appear.
2. Administer medication: Learn how to properly use² inhalers, nebulisers, or other asthma medications. You must also ensure that your inhaler technique is correct.
3. Create an Asthma Action Plan: Work with the patient's doctor to develop an asthma action plan³ that outlines steps to take regularly and in case of an emergency.
4. Create an asthma-friendly environment: Keep the home clean⁴ and free of dust, mold, and other allergens. Use an air purifier and humidifier if necessary.
5. Avoid asthma triggers: Identify and avoid triggers⁵ that can cause asthma attacks, such as pollen, pet dander, and smoke.
6. Monitor lung function: Keep track of the patient's lung function using a peak flow meter⁶ or other device recommended by the doctor.
7. Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise⁷ can help improve lung function and overall health. Encourage the patient to be active as much as possible.
8. Educate others: Teach family members, friends, and caregivers about asthma and how to help in case of an emergency.
9. Stay organised: Keep track of medication schedules,⁸ doctor appointments, and other important information related to the patient's asthma.
10. Take care of yourself:Being a caregiver can be stressful. Make sure to take time for yourself and seek support from others when needed.

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References

1. Globe, Gary, et al. "Symptoms and Markers of Symptom Severity in Asthma—Content Validity of the Asthma Symptom Diary." Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, vol. 13, 2015, p. 21, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-015-0217-5. Acc
2. Ganguly, Avijit, et al. "Study of Proper Use of Inhalational Devices by Bronchial Asthma or COPD Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital." Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, vol. 8, no. 10, 2014, p. HC04, https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/9457.4976.
3. Pegoraro, Francesco, et al. "Asthma Action Plans: An International Review Focused on the Pediatric Population." Frontiers in Pediatrics, vol. 10, 2022, p. 874935, https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.874935.
4. Win, Patrick H., and Iftikhar Hussain. "Asthma Triggers: What Really Matters?" Clinical Asthma, 2009, p. 149, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-032304289-5.10017-7.
5. Cipriani, Francesca, et al. "Allergen Avoidance in Allergic Asthma." Frontiers in Pediatrics, vol. 5, 2017, p. 103, https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2017.00103.
6. Gerald LB, Carr TF. Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (Beyond the Basics). In: McCormack MC, ed. Literature review current through December 2024. Last updated October 1, 2024. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/how-to-use-a-peak-flow-meter-beyond-the-basics/print
7. American Lung Association. Asthma and exercise. Managing asthma. Updated 2024. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/asthma-and-exercise
8. Tran N, Coffman JM, Sumino K, Cabana MD. Patient reminder systems and asthma medication adherence: a systematic review. J Asthma. 2014;51(5):536-543. doi:10.3109/02770903.2014.888572