Self-Management Planning
What is a self-management plan?
A self-management plan is an agreed set of guidelines between you and your doctor or asthma nurse on ‘what to do when’. It basically gives you some ‘signs’ to work from so that you can identify when your asthma is getting better or worse; the plan tells you exactly what to do depending on the change. The action you take may, for example, be to increase your medication, visit your GP or call an ambulance.
Are all self-management plans the same?
Definitely not! The plan you have will depend on a number of things including your individual asthma, your age and how much responsibility you wish to take. There are some pre-printed self-management plan cards available which may be modified and used. Your own plan will be customised to meet your individual needs and should always be written down for you. You will be asked to monitor your asthma at home for a period before discussing a plan to suit you. The plan you have will be agreed jointly between you and your healthcare provider.
What are the signs of the plan based on?
Plans are usually based on peak flow and/or asthma symptoms. Most plans involve a number of zones. In each zone your peak flow and/or symptoms are used as a guide to help you know what action you need to take. An example of a self-management plan is shown below.

Why are self-management plans useful?
There are many advantages to having a self-management plan which include:
Help Prevent an Asthma Attack
Many asthma attacks occur because people do not know or ignore the signs of worsening asthma. Your plan can help you to intervene and do something before you have a bad attack. You will no longer be leaving things to chance. This could prevent a trip to casualty, a stay in hospital, or even save your life.
Altering your own medication safely
Most plans enable you to alter your own medication without having to consult your doctor or nurse every time your asthma gets worse or better. This can ensure you remain well on the minimum amount of medication needed to keep you there.
Take control of your Asthma
Your own plan will give you a much greater degree of control over your asthma. It will enable you to make safe and informed decisions about your condition to help prevent a decline in your asthma and keep you as well as possible all the time.
How do I get a self-management plan?
To get your own plan you must work closely with your asthma doctor or nurse. Asthma varies enormously from one person to the other and so do individual needs. It is very important that both you and your healthcare professional are happy with your personal self-management plan.
Should I have my plan reviewed?
Definitely. Your asthma or circumstances may change so it is important to review your current self-management plan regularly. It may need to be modified at a later date to accommodate these changes. This will ensure it continues to meet your needs.
Testimonials
It has been a wonderful pleasure meeting you and thank you for giving me more insight about asthma. I now have a better understanding.
You are very welcoming and wonderful with people. Keep up the good work.Mbali Mahaye
15 June 2020
Lindsay is a kind yet professional expert, who puts the kids at ease throughout the examination. Her office is airy and clean and a joy to visit. I highly recommend her.
Simone Thompson
22 June 2020
While in Lockdown I approached Lindsay to Kindly check my 14year old son out regarding his chest and lung function. I was worried and did not know where to start and what was happening. Lindsay was amazing and really gave us peace of mind, a treatment plan and the way going forward! She did a thorough check with Luc and assured us of what was happening to him. She was very accommodating and really knows her stuff! I would highly recommend Lindsay and The Lung Wellness Center should you have any concerns in that specific area.
Luann Obrien
22 June 2020
I recently visited Lindsay with my children to do a Lung Function Test for my youngest boy who is 7. Jared thoroughly enjoyed his time and the testing is made fun with the user friendly technology that is definitely “kid orientated”. Lindsay is warm and welcoming and the kids found her so easy to relate to and have fun with. I would highly recommend her in the future.
Lisa Grace Aiston
22 June 2020
We were referred to Lindsay for a Lung Function test from our specialist Dr.
Lindsay advised us on what exactly would happen on the day and what we needed to bring.
My daughter was made to feel very relaxed before and during the tests so that she could perform all the tests to her best ability.
I would defiantly recommend Lindsey for any Lung Function testing and would use her again if we ever needed.Nicole Smith
22 June 2020
As a mother in denial and not wanting to label her child asthmatic ... Lindsay showed me how poorly my daughters’ lungs were functioning and has been instrumental in her recovery. Chloe adores Lindsay, as her love and compassion for her patients shines through.
Tracey Lever
29 June 2020
Thank you very much for seeing me today, It was so good to speak to someone who understands how I am feeling. You also so quickly understood and identified all of my issues.
Diane Gammie
11 July 2020
Morning Lindsay [Dr. Zurba], you will not remember me but I brought my husband to your center in March 2012 to do a full lung function test because of my concern for his terrible coughing, he promised he would quit smoking by age 40, but at 43 he still smoked, and heavily too! So I booked an appointment a few months ahead of that day's appointment, he had no idea, of course, otherwise, he would NEVER have come!! But the day we met with you changed everything, even though he was horribly upset upon our arrival at the " Lung Center" ....he just knew, the "surprise" was not a morning at the Spa, it was actually a lung test! #ohdear. Anyhoo, just needed to tell you about 7.5 years later and Harry still does not smoke! The meeting that day made a huge impact on him and realizing the damage to his lungs weren't as bad as he ever could imagine. He basically quit 30 years of smoking in June that year, 3 months after our meeting. HAS NEVER TOUCHED IT AGAIN!!!
We often talk about how it all happened with our friends - a wonderful memory and quitting smoking is not easy, but for him it was! After 30 years and 3 packs a day! Lindsay, thank you - that's what I should have said before, we both don't smoke and are so grateful for helping Harry realize why he should quit!Just needed to share our appreciation with you!
Michelle and Harry Vlavianos
20 November 2020