Patient education and guided self-management plans.

Asthma can be controlled effectively with the use of the appropriate drugs. By varying the level of treatment, the associated risks and unpleasantness of the disease can be minimized. In the majority of situations, the range of possible changes is reasonably straightforward and there is no reason why patients should not be trained to take these steps themselves. Self-management plans are an effective way to encourage patients to have more control over their disease.