Asthma Diary: Managing Asthma Effectively

Image credit: akronchildrens.org

What is my asthma diary?

Description: My Asthma Diary is a helpful self-management tool developed by Lung Sask. Patients can use the asthma diary to record their information, symptoms, medication use, peak flow meter readings, and asthma triggers. Who might use this tool?

Why do I need an asthma diary?

An asthma diary helps you keep track of how well you are managing your asthma. If you have symptoms or an asthma attack, record the trigger (if possible), the symptoms, and what kind of medicine you used for relief and how well it worked. Also note if you had to contact your doctor or seek emergency care.

What are asthma Diaries used for?

Asthma diaries are particularly useful in monitoring the use of Preventer and Reliever medication. The Preventer medication is taken one or twice daily to control inflammation in the airways, while the Reliever medication is used to quickly alleviate symptoms during an asthma attack.

Does a child's asthma diary include peak flow?

While the children’s diary does not include peak flow, children from age 5-6 may attempt peak flow and find it useful. In summary asthma diaries are useful tools for monitoring asthma symptoms and medication use, which can help patients and healthcare professionals manage asthma more effectively.

How do I know if I have asthma?

Alongside a clinical history, and other tests like spirometry and FeNO, peak flow can suggest you have asthma. Your GP or asthma nurse may do a peak flow test at your annual asthma review. They might also ask you to check your peak flow at home. This means taking your peak flow every day and writing down your scores in a peak flow diary.

Why should I keep a daily asthma diary?

Keeping a daily asthma diary can help you monitor asthma triggers and asthma medications. The asthma diary is used to: Recording this information will help you recognize asthma attacks and head them off before you become seriously ill. Your doctor will also use this diary to evaluate how well your asthma action plan is working.

Should I monitor my peak flow if I have an asthma attack?

Monitoring peak flow could cut your risk of an asthma attack. Checking your peak flow at home is most useful if you’re recovering from an asthma attack, or your treatment plan has changed. Talk to your GP or asthma nurse about whether you need to monitor your peak flow, how often and what to do when your scores change.

What Is Asthma Diary

1. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/sites/default/files/Symptoms_diary_PDF.pdf
2. https://www.asthma.org.nz/blogs/little-learnings/what-is-an-asthma-diary-and-how-to-use-one
3. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/keeping-asthma-diary
4. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/asthma-diary
5. https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/media/1307/160531-asthma-peak-flow-diary.pdf
6. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/allergy-and-asthma/a6111/asthma-8211-the-importance-of-keeping-a-daily-asthma-diary/
7. https://lunghealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/lhf_asthmadiary_web.pdf
8. https://toolkit.lunghealth.ca/lhftools/my-asthma-diary/

Asthma Diary Information

1. https://shop.asthmaandlung.org.uk/collections/health-advice-resources/products/peak-flow-diary-1
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/
3. https://www.columbiadoctors.org/health-library/article/asthma-diary/
4. https://www.oakleighroadclinic.nhs.uk/assets/Peak-Flow-Diary.pdf