ARC programs enhance the readiness of health care professionals and facilities to provide cost-efficient care that is compliant with the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma: Expert Panel Report 3. For parents and caregivers, these programs provide essential knowledge and skills to improve asthma control in infants and children.

School nurse Lizzie Cockrell tells the story of how the Asthma Ready program helped one of her students.

Inhaled steroids have few side effects, especially at lower doses. Thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) and hoarseness may occur, although this is rare. Rinsing the mouth, gargling after using the asthma inhaler, and using a spacer device with metered dose inhalers can help prevent these side effects.

Ask your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist about the role of each of your medications. Ask for written instructions on how and when to use each one as part of your asthma action plan.

• Know the side effects of your medication so that you know what is and isn’t normal. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist.
• Ask your doctor if your medication can be simplified. One way is to have the same kind of puffer for all your medications, so you don’t have to get used to several kinds.
• Ask your doctor to give you a puffer you feel comfortable with. There are special aids for people who have trouble coordinating the ‘press and breathe’ kind.
• Make sure you use your puffers correctly. Ask your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist to check your technique.
• Create memory aids for yourself, like taking your medications before you brush your teeth in the morning and evening.

All the above tips also apply to children, but the following may be useful in helping your child manage their asthma: