Asthma Action Plans
An Asthma Action Plan is a written plan for managing an individual's asthma. Asthma can be life-threatening if not managed properly. Working with a healthcare provider, you can use the Asthma Action Plan to create a document that details a patient's:
- Triggers.
- Symptoms.
- Medications for daily and emergency use.
- Options if medication does not help an asthma episode.
- Emergency contact information.
Having an Asthma Action Plan is especially important for children returning to school. Teachers and school nurses who have copies of the Asthma Action Plan can help your child if an asthma flare-up or emergency happens at school. Copies should go to every caregiver inside and outside of school, including coaches, family members, day-care providers, after-school activity leaders, youth group leaders and babysitters.
Using an Asthma Action Plan
The plan is divided into three sections, like a traffic light: a green zone, a yellow zone and a red zone. A patient's symptoms and peak air-flow readings determine which zone to consult for treatment options:
- Green Zone, or safe zone, explains how to manage asthma on a daily basis while feeling well.
- Yellow Zone, or the caution zone, explains how to look for signs when you are not feeling well or the symptoms are getting worse. It provides instructions for adding daily medication to help.
- Red Zone, or the danger zone, explains what to do when the asthma flare-up is severe.
The Asthma Action Plan is most effective when it is understood by the asthma patient and everyone in the patient's life. The plan should be reviewed with a healthcare provider every six months for updates or changes, and copies of those changes should be provided to all caregivers.
