Asthma: Using an asthma action plan

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 79% 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 doses 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.

Continue to Why?

Using an asthma action plan takes the guesswork out of treating asthma attacks. It can help you to:

• Take control of your treatment.
• Have fewer or less severe attacks.
• Avoid trips to the doctor or the hospital.

Continue to How?

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 minimize 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.

Continue to Where?

Now that you have read this information, you are ready to start using an asthma action plan. For related information, see:

• Asthma: Measuring peak flow.
• Asthma: Using a metered-dose inhaler.
• Asthma in children: Helping a child use a metered-dose inhaler and mask spacer.
• Asthma: Using a dry powder inhaler.
• Asthma: Identifying your triggers.
• Asthma: Taking charge of your asthma.

Talk with your doctor

If you have questions, take this information with you when you visit your doctor. You may want to mark areas or make notes in the margins where you have questions.

If you would like more information on asthma, the following resource is available: