Using An Asthma Action Plan: How To Use An Asthma Action Plan

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How to use an asthma action plan

Develop your plan

• Work with your doctor to make an action plan for you or your child. The action plan is based on peak flow and asthma symptoms. These help your doctor know how bad your asthma is. An action plan may include:
  • The peak flow readings and symptoms for each zone.
  • What medicines to take in each zone.
  • When to call a doctor.
  • A list of emergency contact numbers.
  • A list of your asthma triggers.
  See an example of an asthma action plan (What is a PDF document?).
• Let your doctor know what you want regarding asthma care. For example, if you are not comfortable using a peak flow meter, tell your doctor.
• If you make an asthma action plan for your child, give a copy to the child’s school or caregivers and make sure they know how to use it.

Follow your daily treatment, and use the asthma action plan

• Take your daily medicines to help prevent long-term damage and avoid asthma attacks.
• Check your peak flow every morning and evening. This is the best way to know how well your lungs are working.
• Check your action plan to see what zone you are in.
  • If you are in the green zone, keep taking your daily asthma medicines as prescribed.
  • If you are in the yellow zone, you may be having or will soon have an asthma attack. You may not have any symptoms, but your lungs are not working as well as they should. Take the medicines listed in your action plan. If you stay in the yellow zone, your doctor may need to increase the dose or add a medicine.
  • If you are in the red zone, follow your action plan. If your symptoms or peak flow don't improve soon, you may need to go to the emergency room or be admitted to the hospital.
• Use an asthma diary. Write down your peak flow readings in the asthma diary. If you have an attack, write down what caused it (if you know), the symptoms, and what medicine you took. See an example of an asthma diary (What is a PDF document?).

Review the plan with your doctor

• Take both the asthma action plan and the asthma diary when you see your doctor. Get answers to any questions you may have about your asthma plan or your symptoms. Let your doctor know if treatment is not controlling your asthma attacks.
• Take your peak flow meter and medicines so your doctor can review your treatment.
• Make sure you know how and when to call your doctor or go to the hospital.
• Tell your doctor if you are having trouble following your action plan.

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Last updated:	March 22, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Denele Ivins