Asthma Management

Have you been diagnosed with asthma, or are you currently being treated for asthma? If so, consider the following few questions to assess your control over your condition.

In the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did your asthma keep you from getting as much done at work or at home?

  • None of the time
  • A little of the time
  • Some of the time
  • Most of the time
  • All of the time

During the past 4 weeks, how often have you had shortness of breath?

  • Not at all
  • Once or twice a week
  • 3 to 6 times a week
  • Once a day
  • More than once a day

During the past 4 weeks, how often did your asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or pain) wake you up at night or earlier than usual in the morning?

  • Not at all
  • Once or twice
  • Once a week
  • 2 to 3 nights a week
  • 4 or more nights a week

During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your rescue inhaler or nebulizer medication (such as albuterol)?

  • Not at all
  • Once a week or less
  • A few times a week
  • 1 or 2 times per day
  • 3 or more times per day

How would you rate your asthma control during the past 4 weeks?

  • Completely controlled
  • Well controlled
  • Somewhat controlled
  • Poorly controlled
  • Not controlled at all

If you checked any bold answers, your asthma may not be as well controlled as it should be. The pulmonary rehabilitation department at Morton Plant Hospital offers an Asthma Management Program for inpatients and outpatients of all ages who would like to better understand their condition, gain more control over their asthma, and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Using age-appropriate videos and written materials, the health care professionals in our Asthma Management Program provide both patients and caregivers with one-on-one instruction that reinforces the treatment plan established by the referring physician. We can show you on how to use peak flow meters, a peak flow action plan and diary, as well as how to best use a metered dose inhaler with a spacer.

In addition, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit with you after two weeks, and thereafter for one year. We’ll also send regular progress reports to your physician. Best of all, there’s no charge for participation.

For more information or to set up an appointment, call (727) 461-8904.