Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for asthma. Many things can cause asthma to get worse, like a cold, allergies, or cold weather. An asthma "attack" is when symptoms start suddenly.
It is important to follow up with your doctor. You should also take your asthma medicines as instructed. The doctors might give you an asthma action plan or a peak flow meter. These can help you manage your asthma.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Know how and when to take your asthma medicines. You might have:
•"Quick-relief" or "rescue" medicines – These relax the muscles around the airways and help you breathe easier. You take them to relieve symptoms when they happen. Albuterol is a common example.
•"Controller" medicines – These reduce swelling of the airways. You take them every day to help prevent asthma attacks. It is important to take your controller medicine every day, even when you feel well.
Some medicines can work as both a controller and a quick-relief medicine. These are taken once or twice a day as controller medicines. They can also be used for quick relief.
●Do not smoke or let others smoke near you. Smoke can stay on clothes and furniture and cause breathing problems.
●Learn what triggers your asthma and try to stay away from those things. Common triggers include exercise, allergens (such as dust, pollens, or pet hair) and scents from cleaning products, detergents, or perfumes.
●Know if you need an extra dose of your quick-relief inhaler before you exercise. If you have an inhaler to use when you feel short of breath, carry it with you at all times.
●Follow your asthma action plan and use your peak flow meter, if you have them. The peak flow meter helps measure how well your lungs are working.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have extreme trouble breathing, like:
-You cannot speak in full sentences.
-You are very tired from working to catch your breath.
-You are sweating from trying to breathe.
-Your lips or fingernails turn gray or blue.
●Return to the ED if:
•You have trouble breathing when talking or sitting still.
•Your asthma symptoms are not getting better, even though you used your quick-relief inhaler a few times.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have to use your quick-relief inhaler 2 to 3 times a week to treat symptoms (other than to prevent symptoms when you exercise).
●You are having so much trouble breathing you cannot do your normal activities.
●Your cough gets worse, or you cough up yellow or green mucus.
●Your asthma medicines are running out.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Asthma in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise-induced asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma action plan for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma and pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Avoiding asthma triggers (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise-induced asthma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma treatment in adolescents and adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Inhaler techniques in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma and pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Trigger avoidance in asthma (Beyond the Basics)
