Asthma Control: Practical Steps That Actually Work

Most people with asthma could cut attacks by improving one simple thing: inhaler technique. Sounds small, but poor technique makes preventer drugs nearly useless and leaves you relying on quick-relief inhalers more often. That’s a quick win you can use today.

Start by knowing your medicines. There are two main types: relievers (salbutamol/albuterol) that stop symptoms fast, and preventers (inhaled steroids) that lower inflammation over time. Some people also use combination inhalers, leukotriene tablets, or biologics for severe asthma. If you’re unsure which is which, bring your inhalers to a clinic visit and ask your clinician to point out each one and explain when to use it.

Practice inhaler technique until it’s automatic. For most metered-dose inhalers: shake, breathe out, put the mouthpiece in, press and breathe in slowly for five seconds, hold your breath for 5–10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Use a spacer if you’re a child or if you struggle with coordination—spacers are cheap and make medication delivery far more reliable.

Quick control checklist

Do this regularly to keep asthma steady:

- Follow a written asthma action plan. It tells you when to increase meds, when to call the clinic, and when to seek emergency care. If you don’t have one, ask for one at your next visit.

- Track symptoms and reliever use. Needing a reliever more than twice a week (not counting before exercise) means your asthma isn’t well controlled.

- Check peak flow if advised. A falling peak flow often warns of worsening inflammation before you feel bad.

- Avoid common triggers: smoke, strong fumes, cold air, dust mites, and indoor mold. Small changes help—use washable bedding, maintain 40–50% indoor humidity, and ban smoking in the house and car.

- Keep up with vaccines. Yearly flu shots and routine COVID boosters lower the risk of infections that can trigger attacks.

- Review your inhaler every year. Tastes, labels, and best practices change. Make it a habit to show your inhaler to a nurse or pharmacist once a year so they can correct your technique.

When to get help

Call for urgent care if you have fast breathing, difficulty speaking, blue lips or fingers, or if your reliever stops helping. Also seek help if your peak flow stays below your personal green zone despite following your plan. Don’t wait until you’re panicked—early treatment prevents severe attacks.

If you’ve been using your reliever more than usual, waking at night with cough or wheeze, or missing activities you enjoy, book a check-up. Treatment options have improved: stepping up preventer doses briefly, adding a long-acting controller, or trying new biologic drugs can make a big difference for people with persistent symptoms.

Small changes—proper inhaler use, a clear action plan, trigger control, and regular reviews—add up. Do one thing from the checklist this week and notice the difference in how you breathe.