Remember, asthma is always present. It does not "go away." To stay in control, make managing your asthma part of your daily routine and strive for the following goals:

• Be free from asthma symptoms, day and night.
  
  
• Have the best possible lung function.
  
  
• Participate fully in activities.
  
  
• Do not miss school or work because of asthma symptoms.
  
  
• Do not need emergency visits or hospitalization for asthma.
  
  
• Have few side effects from asthma medication.

It is possible to reach the above goals. To reach them, you need to take the following actions:

• Understand asthma and what causes it.
  
  
• Learn your triggers and how to control them.
  
  
• Keep track of asthma symptoms and how they affect normal activities.
  
  
• Keep an Asthma Action Plan up-to-date and follow it.
  
  
• Take medicines as directed by your health care provider.
  
  
• Learn how to use medication devices correctly.
  
  
• Understand how the medicines work.
  
  
• Make family members, school personnel and others part of your asthma team.
  
  
• Keep your health care provider informed and up-to-date about your or your child's asthma.

Source: Sutter Health, adapted from www.kids.sutterhealth.org.