Asthma is a condition that involves swelling of the bronchioles or constriction of the muscle fibers around the bronchioles and alveoli (tiny air sacs). Many asthmatics describe the event as having a metal band squeezing their chest. Asthma is a chronic condition that cant be cured but can be managed and controlled with medications and preventative measures.

People who suffer from asthma have greater positive results when they use asthma self management tools. More people are learning that living with asthma is controllable and doesn’t have to impede their lifestyle.

There are several asthma self management tools that help the asthma sufferer to adequately control their asthma so they can lead active lifestyles. One such tool is asthma coaches. These coaches or disease management specialists are employed by insurance companies to decrease their costs and the patients distress from asthma attacks.

The goal of asthma self management is to have easy access to the information, skills and support sufferers need to manage their asthma. Asthma self management is a fundamental component of asthma guidelines.

Another way to manage asthma is a written management plan that includes the triggers specific to the patient, medications that are used for rescue and control, emergency numbers for the doctor and emergency room, normal peak flow values for the patient and the signature of the patient and parent if appropriate...