Using An Asthma Action Plan: What Do The Zones In An Asthma Action Plan Mean

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What do the zones in an asthma action plan mean?

An asthma action plan has three zones. You can find out what zone you are in by checking your peak flow or symptoms. Peak flow is a measure of how fast you breathe out when you try your hardest. You check your peak flow with a peak flow meter, an inexpensive device that you can use at home. Your doctor can show you how to use it.

The zones of an asthma action plan are based on the colors of a stoplight. See an example of an asthma action plan (What is a PDF document?).

Green zone. Green means Go.

• You are in the green zone if your peak flow is 80% to 100% of your personal best measurement. You should have no asthma symptoms when you are in the green zone. You want to be in the green zone every day.
• If you continue to stay in the green zone, your doctor may lower your daily asthma medicines.

Yellow zone. Yellow means Caution.

• You are in the yellow zone if your peak flow is 50% to less than 80% of your personal best measurement. You may not have any symptoms, but your lung function is reduced. When symptoms are present, they may be mild to moderate, or may keep you from your normal activities or disturb your sleep.
• Being in the yellow zone means that you should take action. Your action plan should state what medicines you need to take, how much to take, and when to take them.
• If you keep going into the yellow zone from the green zone, talk with your doctor. You may need a different medicine or the dose of your medicines may need to be increased.

Red zone. Red means STOP.

• You are in the red zone if your peak flow is less than 50% of your personal best measurement. Your symptoms will be severe, and you may cough and be very short of breath.
• If your symptoms and peak flow are in the red zone, follow your action plan.
• Call 911 right away if you are in the red zone and you have followed your action plan, but:
  • You are having severe difficulty breathing.
  • 20 to 30 minutes after taking the extra medicine, you do not feel better and/or your peak flow is still less than 50% of your personal best measurement.

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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