Asthma

Information for patients

Things you need to do when you get home:

• You should see your GP or Practice Nurse within two days to check that your asthma symptoms are settling.
• Remember to use your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, even when you  have no symptoms.
• If prescribed a course of oral steroids (Prednisolone) please take as directed.
• Chart your peak flow recordings in your diary. Checking your peak flow recordings at home will help you to see how well your asthma is controlled. If you do not have a peak flow meter or diary, contact your GP or Practice Nurse. They can provide one and instruct you how to use it.
• See your GP or Practice Nurse to agree a personalised asthma action plan to help manage your asthma.

Is your asthma under control?

If after discharge you notice any of the following:

• Your symptoms are getting worse (breathless, wheeze, cough or chest tightness);
• You have difficulty sleeping because of your asthma;
• You are using your reliever inhaler more and it lasts a shorter time;
• You have difficulty doing your normal daily activities;
• You are getting a cold.

See your GP or Practice Nurse or phone NHS 24 on 111 for advice.

Remember! Always attend your yearly asthma review with your GP or Practice Nurse even when you are well.

Useful Contacts

Asthma UK Scotland
4 Queen Street, EDINBURGH, EH2 1JE
Tel: 0131 226 2544
Email: scotland@asthma.org.uk
Website: www.asthma.org.uk

Online Forum available:
British Lung Foundation Scotland
Suite 110-111, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, GLASGOW G2 6HJ
Tel: 0141 248 0050
Email: scotland@blf.org.uk
Website: www.blf.org.uk

Online Forum available:
British Thoracic Society
17 Doughty Street, LONDON WC1N 2PL
Tel: 020 7831 8778
Email: bts@brit-thoracic.org.uk
Website: www.brit-thoracic.org.uk

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Head Office, Third Floor, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, EDINBURGH EH12 5EZ
Tel: 0131 225 6963 / Fax: 0131 220 6313
Email: admin@chss.org.uk
Website: www.chss.org.uk

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk