Living well with asthma means being prepared for changes in your condition. An asthma action plan is a written document that helps you recognize and respond to worsening symptoms before they become serious. Let’s explore how this essential tool can help you maintain control of your asthma.
What Is an Asthma Action Plan?
An asthma action plan is a personalized document created with your healthcare provider that outlines:
- How to monitor your asthma symptoms
- Which medications to take and when
- How to recognize when your asthma is worsening
- When to seek emergency care
Think of it as your roadmap to breathing well. It takes the guesswork out of managing symptoms and helps you respond quickly and appropriately when changes occur.
The Three-Zone System
Most asthma action plans use a color-coded zone system similar to a traffic light:
Green Zone: Doing Well
- Symptoms: Breathing is good, no cough or wheeze, can do all usual activities
- Peak flow reading: 80-100% of your personal best
- Action: Continue taking your controller medications as prescribed
Yellow Zone: Caution
- Symptoms: Some symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- Peak flow reading: 50-80% of your personal best
- Action: Take your quick-relief medication as directed and continue controller medications; may need temporary adjustment to treatment
Red Zone: Medical Alert
- Symptoms: Severe shortness of breath, difficulty speaking in complete sentences, no improvement with quick-relief medication
- Peak flow reading: Below 50% of your personal best
- Action: Take quick-relief medication immediately and seek medical help right away
Monitoring Your Asthma
Your action plan will include instructions for monitoring your condition in two ways:
Symptom monitoring: Paying attention to warning signs like increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or waking at night due to asthma symptoms.
Peak flow monitoring: Using a small handheld device called a peak flow meter to measure how well air moves out of your lungs. Your action plan will include your personal best peak flow number and the readings that indicate which zone you’re in.
When to Take Action
Your action plan specifies exactly what to do when symptoms change:
For minor symptom increases (Yellow Zone):
- Use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed
- Adjust controller medications if directed
- Reduce exposure to triggers
- Monitor symptoms more frequently
For severe symptoms (Red Zone):
- Use quick-relief medication immediately
- Call your healthcare provider or seek emergency care
- Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve on their own
Creating Your Personalized Plan
Developing an effective asthma action plan is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare provider:
- Discuss your asthma pattern: Share details about your typical symptoms, triggers, and how asthma affects your daily activities.
- Establish your personal best peak flow: This is the highest peak flow reading you can achieve when your asthma is well-controlled.
- Review all medications: Ensure you understand which medications to take regularly and which to use when symptoms worsen.
- Define your zones: Work with your provider to determine the specific symptoms and peak flow readings that put you in each zone.
- Create an emergency plan: Know exactly when and how to seek emergency care.
Sharing Your Plan
Once your action plan is complete:
- Keep a copy where you can easily find it
- Share it with family members, caregivers, or roommates
- Provide copies to schools, workplaces, or sports coaches if appropriate
- Take a photo of it to keep on your phone
Reviewing and Updating
Your asthma action plan should be reviewed and updated:
- At every follow-up appointment
- When medications change
- After an emergency room visit or hospitalization
- If you find the plan isn’t effectively controlling your symptoms
Taking Control
An asthma action plan empowers you to take an active role in managing your condition. By recognizing early warning signs and responding appropriately, you can prevent many asthma emergencies and maintain better control of your breathing.
Remember, the best asthma action plan is one that you understand and can follow easily. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if any part of your plan is unclear.
Download an asthma action plan template today to complete with your doctor at your next appointment. Having a written plan is one of the most effective tools for managing your asthma successfully.