Asthma Management
Also known as: asthma treatment, asthma control, managing asthma, asthma management plan
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to effectively managing asthma.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects your airways, causing inflammation and narrowing. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Since asthma is a chronic condition, it’s important to manage it consistently to keep symptoms under control and prevent flare-ups. Working closely with your respiratory specialist helps develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The causes of asthma are not fully understood, but it is often associated with a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers, such as a family history of asthma, allergies, or respiratory infections during childhood.
Symptoms and asthma attacks
Asthma symptoms can differ from person to person but usually include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Breathlessness occurs because the airways tighten and restrict airflow.
Sometimes asthma symptoms worsen at night, which can disrupt your sleep, especially when your asthma isn’t well-controlled.
Causes and risk factors of asthma
Many things, including allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould, can trigger asthma. Other triggers include respiratory infections, exercise, smoke, strong smells, and cold air, which can tighten your airways and cause symptoms or attacks.
There are various types of asthma. Some individuals experience symptoms only occasionally (intermittent asthma), while others have symptoms most of the time (persistent asthma) and require ongoing management. Asthma can begin in childhood or develop during adulthood.
Treatment depends on the severity of your asthma and its triggers. For instance, if allergies are the cause, your doctor might recommend additional treatments like leukotriene modifiers (also called leukotriene receptor antagonists), which help decrease airway swelling and inflammation, and can even alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms.
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Ways to payBefore treatment
Asthma diagnosis
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to effectively managing asthma. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and symptoms. They may conduct lung tests such as spirometry or use a peak flow metre to measure how well your lungs are functioning. Sometimes, further tests may be necessary to evaluate airway sensitivity and to eliminate other conditions.
Since asthma symptoms can resemble other lung conditions, a comprehensive check-up is essential. Identifying your triggers and what causes your symptoms helps your doctor develop a personalised treatment plan. This plan aims to prevent attacks and enables you to take steps to stop symptoms from worsening. With an accurate diagnosis and regular check-ups, you can better control asthma and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Managing asthma attacks
If you experience an asthma attack, act promptly. Use your reliever inhaler (for example, a short-acting beta-2 agonist like salbutamol) as soon as symptoms appear. Follow your asthma action plan carefully – it informs you what to do when symptoms worsen and when to take additional medications such as oral steroids.
If symptoms are severe or don’t improve, seek emergency help immediately. Knowing how to manage an asthma attack and having a clear plan can reduce serious risks.
Asthma action plan
An asthma action plan is your personal guide for daily treatment, spotting when symptoms worsen, and knowing what to do in an emergency. Created with your respiratory consultant, it outlines the medicines you need and helps you avoid your specific triggers to keep your lungs healthy.
It’s important to review your plan regularly to ensure it remains aligned with your symptoms and treatment. Following your plan helps you better manage asthma, take action early, and prevent mild symptoms from developing into severe attacks.
During treatment
Making lifestyle changes is a vital part of managing asthma and controlling symptoms. Begin by recognising and avoiding common triggers such as dust mites, air pollution, and mould. Keeping your home tidy, reducing dust, and using air filters if needed can be helpful.
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight support your lung health. Avoid smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke, as these can worsen asthma symptoms. Managing stress and getting enough sleep also help prevent symptoms from deteriorating. By sticking to your medicines and these healthy habits, you can better control your asthma and enjoy a good quality of life.
After treatment
Effectively managing asthma involves taking your preventer and reliever inhalers as prescribed and using the device that suits you best. Regular check-ups with your healthcare team help monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment when needed.
Long-term asthma management includes medication, identifying your triggers, and making lifestyle adjustments. With proper treatment and support, you can effectively control asthma and stay active and healthy.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Diagnosis and assessment
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history and may perform lung function tests such as spirometry or peak flow measurements. Identifying triggers helps confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Creating an asthma action plan
You’ll be given a personalised asthma action plan that explains your daily treatment, how to recognise worsening symptoms, and what to do during an asthma attack.
Managing asthma attacks
At the first sign of symptoms, use your reliever inhaler as directed. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, follow your action plan and seek urgent medical help when required.
Ongoing treatment and lifestyle management
Take preventer and reliever inhalers as prescribed, avoid known triggers, and maintain healthy habits such as regular exercise, good sleep, and avoiding smoking.
Long-term follow-up
Regular reviews with your healthcare team help ensure your asthma remains well controlled and treatment is adjusted as needed.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where you stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Spread the cost monthly
Paying for your treatment at One Stop Healthcare can be spread monthly from 12 to 60 months, rather than paying in one go.
With an upfront 10% deposit paid, via our Financial partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer various flexible terms to enable you to spread the cost, including 12-months at 0% APR. Click here to find out more.
Monthly payments need to be linked to a One Stop Healthcare treatment over £385 and is subject to a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period before any treatment can start.
Your on-going payments will be made directly between Chrysalis and yourself. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
The best treatment involves avoiding your triggers and using asthma medications as your healthcare provider advises. Typically, this includes inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilator based combination inhalers to decrease airway inflammation and reliever inhalers (like a blue inhaler or quick-relief inhaler) to open your airways during an attack. For some people with severe asthma, additional treatments such as long-acting muscarinic antagonists, Theophylline , Montelukast or biologic therapies might be necessary. Regular check-ups and following your asthma action plan help keep your asthma well-controlled and prevent it from worsening.
Managing asthma in children requires attentive monitoring and a plan customised to their needs. Youngsters often use inhalers, such as dry-powder or soft-mist inhalers, and must learn to use them correctly so the medication reaches their lungs. Inhaled corticosteroids help control inflammation, while reliever medicines manage sudden symptoms. Parents should collaborate with healthcare providers to identify and avoid triggers such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Allergy medicines and allergy shots may be recommended for allergic asthma. Education and regular check-ups enable children to better control their asthma.
If you have an asthma flare-up at home, follow your asthma action plan carefully. Use your reliever inhaler immediately as directed. Sit up straight, breathe slowly, and stay calm to help your breathing. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen, call emergency services or seek urgent medical attention. Avoid your triggers and monitor your peak flow at home to detect worsening asthma early. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a short course of oral steroids to reduce inflammation during a flare-up.
Many factors, including allergens like pollen, dust mites, mould, and pet dander, can trigger asthma attacks. Other triggers include respiratory infections, cold air, air pollution, cigarette smoke, exercise, strong smells, and stress. For many individuals, symptoms worsen during pollen season or when they have hay fever. Recognising and avoiding your personal triggers is essential for managing asthma and lowering the likelihood of attacks and emergency visits.
Medically reviewed by Dr Anand Singh - Consultant Respiratory Physician on 09/02/2026