Asthma Action Plan
Every person with asthma should have an asthma action plan, created specifically for them by their medical team.
An asthma action plan serves as a clear guide for managing asthma symptoms, avoiding asthma emergencies, and knowing what steps to take if symptoms worsen or an asthma attack occurs.
Examples of asthma action plans:
What Every Plan Should Include
- Information on asthma triggers
- Details about asthma medication (name, dosage, how often to take it)
- Guidance on how to detect early signs of asthma symptoms and worsening
- Steps for adjusting asthma medication based on symptoms or peak flow meter readings
- Instructions for which medication, how much, and how during worsening symptoms or an asthma attack
- Guidelines for when to contact a medical team or call 911/go to the emergency room, including emergency contact numbers (doctor, hospital, 911)
The 3 Zones of an Asthma Action Plan
- Green Zone: No asthma symptoms; asthma is well controlled
- Yellow Zone: Symptoms appear; follow specific instructions to prevent further worsening
- Red Zone: Severe symptoms or asthma attack; follow emergency steps and seek immediate medical care
Peak flow meter readings can help determine the current zone:
- Green: >80% of personal best
- Yellow: 50-79% of personal best
- Red: <50% of personal best
Keeping and Sharing Your Plan
It is helpful to keep several copies of the asthma action and have a digital version available. Also, think about giving a copy to the school office or school nurse.
Examples of school-specific asthma action plans:
Signs of Well-Controlled Asthma (Green Zone)
- Coughing occurs only 0-2 times per week
- Nighttime coughing happens no more than 2x per month
- Rescue or quick-relief medication is used no more than 0-2 times per week (not counting pre-exercise use)
- No more than 0-1 times oral steroid treatments have been needed in the past 12 months
- Regular afternoon and sports activities are completed without breathing difficulties