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If you have signs of asthma, it is important to see a doctor. They can figure out what is wrong, start a treatment plan, or send you to a specialist if needed. This guide will help you get ready for your first visit so you can make the most of it.
It can be helpful to bring someone with you, like a family member or friend. They can ask questions you might forget, write down important information, and help you remember what the doctor says. If you feel nervous or overwhelmed, having someone with you can also help you feel supported. You can also ask permission to record the consultation on your mobile phone, so you don’t forget anything. Here you’ll find a guide to prepare for your first consultation.
We’ve also developed a separate patient guide to help you get ready for your next visit with your doctor (follow-up). It explains when to see your doctor or asthma nurse, helps you reflect on your health, decide what’s important to you to discuss, and check how well your treatment is working—including both benefits and any side effects. It also reminds you what items to bring to your follow-up appointment. By preparing, you can feel more confident, use your time with your doctor efficiently, and take charge of your health.
If you received an Asthma Action Plan during your first visit, make sure to bring it with you to your follow-up. It’s a great opportunity to go over it together with your doctor or asthma nurse and make any needed updates.
If you haven’t been given one yet, don’t worry — you can download our Asthma Action Plan below and take it with you to your appointment. Your healthcare provider can help you fill it out.
This simple, one-page plan shows you how to manage your asthma day-to-day and what to do if your symptoms get worse. It’s a helpful tool to feel more confident and in control of your asthma.
Sometimes, your doctor might ask you to fill out a survey to understand your symptoms better. These surveys help your doctor see how your condition is affecting you. For example:
We have added a validated survey (ACQ: Asthma Control Questionnaire) that doctors often use. Filling in these questions and sharing this information can help your doctor get a clearer picture of what you are going through.
Another useful tool to consider before your appointment—or one that your doctor or asthma nurse might ask your to complete—is an asthma diary. It helps track your asthma day by day, giving you insights into your symptoms and control.
We’ve included an example (ACD: Asthma Control Diary) here on our patient portal for you to download and fill out. This diary should be completed twice a day—once in the morning before taking your asthma medication, and once at night before bed. If you have a peak flow meter at home, it’s important to use it before taking your medication in the morning and write down the result in the diary.
The diary helps you track how your asthma is affecting your daily life – similar to the validated survey we mentioned earlier (ACQ)- and also includes space to record your peak flow readings.
You can also use a monitoring tool on your mobile phone.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. EUFOREA is not a medical organisation and cannot provide specific medical advice to patients via the Internet and/or E-mail. All patients are encouraged to direct their specific questions to their personal physicians. EUFOREA presents this information to patients so that patients can understand and participate in their own medical care. EUFOREA strongly emphasises that the information contained on this website is not a substitute for thorough evaluation and treatment by a qualified healthcare provider.
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