Managing Asthma

Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Well-controlled asthma means you can enjoy an active, healthy life.

Need help managing your asthma? 

Free Help is available. Learn how to better manage your asthma by signing up for the Maine Asthma Self-Management Education (Maine AS-ME) Program. In this free program, you’ll meet with an asthma educator and learn how to:

  • Recognize your asthma symptoms and triggers
  • Build an asthma support team
  • Take your asthma medications
  • Avoid and control your asthma triggers
  • Follow good health habits

Contact one of our asthma educators to sign up or learn more.

Things you can do to help manage your asthma 

#1 Find out whether your asthma is under control.

  • Are you experiencing asthma symptoms or using your quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week?
  • Do you wake up at night due to asthma symptoms more than twice a month?
  • Do you need to refill your quick-relief inhaler more than twice a year?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your asthma may not be fully controlled. Consider scheduling an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and share your results.

#2 Talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor about creating an Asthma Action Plan.

Learn tips for talking to your doctor to get the most out of your doctor’s visit. 

#3 Monitor your symptoms

Common asthma symptoms include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Chest tightness

You can use tools like an Asthma Action Plan to help monitor your symptoms.

#4 Reduce asthma triggers

Common asthma triggers include:

  • Get your flu shot every year
  • Practice healthy habits like washing your hands often, staying away from people who are sick, and regularly cleaning surfaces in your home
  • Go tobacco-free. Visit MaineQuitLink.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get help quitting smoking or vaping
  • Keep your home and car smoke- and vape-free
  • Limit time spent outside when pollen counts are high (usually in spring and fall)
  • Close windows and use an air conditioner for cooling if needed

Prepare for going outside in extreme heat or cold, high humidity, and days with high pollen counts

  • Check the air quality forecast for your area
  • Limit time spent outside when air pollution is bad, or humidity is high
  • Close windows and use an air conditioner for cooling
  • Replace filters in heating and cooling systems regularly
  • Get your heating systems serviced regularly 
  • Repair cracks or damaged parts in fuel-burning appliances promptly 
  • Vent all fuel-burning appliances to the outside
  • Visit MaineIndoorAir.org to learn more about how you can improve your home’s indoor air quality
  • Use fragrance-free cleaning and personal care products whenever possible
  • Make your own cleaning products using Safer Cleaning Recipes
  • Ventilate areas where products are being used    
  • Keep furry and feathered pets out of your bedroom if possible
  • Vacuum often
  • Dust regularly using a damp cloth or sponge
  • Store food and trash in closed containers
  • Clean dishes, crumbs, and spills right away
  • Consider getting tested for a dust mite allergy
  • Check out www.gotpests.org to learn more about dealing with pests

Learn skills for managing your asthma

Learn how to better manage your asthma by signing up for the free Maine Asthma Self-Management Education Program.
Contact one of our asthma educators in your area to sign up or learn more:

Southern Maine

MaineHealth 
Maine Medical Center
Email: Kerri.Nicholas@mainehealth.org
207-662-7302

Maine Access Immigrant Network (MAIN)
Email: Sarah.Lewis@main1.org
207-552-1800

Lewiston/Auburn

New Mainers Public Health Initiative
Email: info@nmphi.org
207-241-0546

United Ambulance
Phone: (207) 440-2662
Email: Prevention@unitedambulance.net

Rangely Area

Rangeley Health and Wellness
Email: Hannah@RangeleyHealthandWellness.com
207-864-4397 ext. 107

Have Questions?

Contact Us Today

Maine Asthma Program
Leigh Riley
Asthma Program Manager
Email: leigh.riley@maine.gov