Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the bronchi which controlled self-care opportunities were found in the 1990s. The aim of this thesis was to increase patient’s knowledge of asthma self-care. In the theoretical framework of thesis is presented asthma as a desiase; diagnosis, treatment and follow-up and controlled asthma self-care as it’s own chapter. As the source material of thesis has been used the literature of the sector and the results of the national asthma programme.

This is a functional thesis. Controlled asthma self-care as a subject was chosen because it’s current and been inadequately implemented. As a functional part was prepared and carried out a course of lectures of asthma self-care for the asthma patients. Lectures were carried out cooperating Kanta-Häme breathing association, based on their needs. Lectures were announced in the Journal of the association and in the pulmonary clinic of the Kanta-Häme central hospital. As a contact from association was acting a public health nurse Essi Virkki.

The aim of lectures was to increase patient’s knowledge of asthma self-care. At the end of lectures the participants were asked to give a written feedback. The most of them told they had new information on implementation and importance of asthma self-care. Consequently the aim can be regarded as realized. There is a need for action like this but not enough resources to implement by associations and the public health care. In the future it would be meaningful to use students more often.