Asthma Treatment Asthma Action Plan to Prevent Asthma Attacks By Pat Bass, MD twitter linkedin Dr. Bass is a board-certified internist, pediatrician, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. Learn about our editorial process Pat Bass, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD on July 08, 2020 twitter linkedin John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology and is an adjunct assistant professor at New York University Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Review Board John Carew, MD on July 08, 2020 Print An asthma action plan can help you recognize early warning signs, and how to act to prevent an asthma attack. Think of the asthma action plan as your roadmap to better asthma control. It will help you identify avoid asthma triggers as well as what to do when you develop symptoms. GARO / PHANIE / Getty Images What Is an Asthma Action Plan? An Asthma Action Plan is simply a written document that details your asthma triggers, usual symptoms, peak flow readings, and what actions to take at different stages of your symptoms getting worse. Such a plan is typically divided into 3 zones: green, yellow, and red, just like a traffic light. If you're in the green zone, it means your asthma is under control, your readings are in your healthy range, and you're feeling healthy. But, if your symptoms start to worsen and /or your peak flow readings decline, you drop into the yellow zone, and there are certain actions, such as using your quick-relief inhaler, that can help you move quickly back to your green zone. If you miss the cues that you've entered the yellow zone or the quick-relief treatment doesn't work, you may progress into your red zone, which indicates you are in a danger zone and need to seek medical help right away. Any delay at this point may result in a severe asthma attack and other serious complications. An Asthma Action Plan is also a communications tool, between you and your doctor and if it is for your child with asthma between you and your child's caregivers. It can help make sure that treatment is consistent and timely. But simply having a plan isn't enough; you also need to know how to use this tool to stop asthma attacks, before they get out of control. This action plan is for: _____________________________ Date plan developed: ____ / ____ / _____ Doctor’s Name: ____________________ Phone #: _______ Hospital / ER Address / Phone #: ______________________________________________________________________________________ My Personal Asthma Triggers __ Pollen __ Mold __ Dust __ Cats __ Dogs __ Fumes __ Cold air __ Smoke __ Other: ____________________________ INSTRUCTIONS: This plan is divided into 3 zones, green, yellow, and red, similar to the colors on a traffic light. If you are in the GREEN zone, then you’re doing well. You probably don’t need to do anything other than take your daily medicines as prescribed. If you are in the YELLOW zone, it means you are getting a warning. Yellow means that your asthma may be getting worse and you are probably having a flare-up. Action is needed to prevent an asthma attack. If you are in the RED zone, you are in danger, and you MUST take emergency action, as described on the plan, right away! The steps you need to follow are listed in each zone. If you have any questions about your Asthma Action Plan, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before you get into the yellow or red zones. GREEN ZONE Means You Are Doing Well Symptoms: You feel good You have no cough, wheezing, or other breathing problems And / Or… Peak Flow Readings Are:At least 80% or more of my best peak flow, which would be _________My best peak flow is __________________ Take these medicines every day (name/dose/how often): _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ YELLOW ZONE Means Your Asthma Is Getting Worse Symptoms: You are having mild cough, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath You sometimes wake up at night due to asthma You can do some of your usual activities, but not all Or… Peak Flow Readings Are:only 50 to 80% of my best peak flow: ___________________________ Actions to Take: Keep taking your daily medicine Next, add the following quick-relief medicine: __________________________ If your symptoms do not improve, call your doctor RED ZONE Means Medical Alert Symptoms: You are very short of breath and actively wheezing You cannot do your usual activities Quick-relief medicine is not relieving your symptoms You’ve been in the YELLOW zone for 24 hours with no improvement Or… Peak Flow Readings Are:less than 50% of your best peak flow: __________________ Actions to Take: Keep taking your daily medicine Next, add the following rescue medicine: __________________________ Call your family doctor NOW If you are still in RED zone after 15 minutes AND you have not reached your doctor, then GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR CALL AN AMBULANCE! Extreme Danger Signs: If you see any of these, you must get emergency help immediately: Lips or fingernails turning blue or purplish (cyanosis) Trouble walking or talking Chest sucking in Nostrils flaring open It's important to know how to use your action plan to stop asthma attacks before they get out of control. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit