[Self-monitoring and self-management in the treatment of asthma].
Self-monitoring and self-medication are the key contents of an efficient asthma education program, which contribute not only to a reduction of morbidity and costs, but also to an enhancement of quality of life. Within the framework of action plans, the patient himself/herself can vary the medication administered in accordance with the actual momentary severity of the disease. In this way the patient overcomes his/her fear of an attack and is enabled better to deal with any worsening situation. With regard to the individual stage-oriented development of action plans,further research is needed.