Asthma action plan for children

You must carefully read the "Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer" below in order to understand and correctly use this information

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate

What is an asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan is a list of instructions that tell you:

● What medicines to give your child at home each day, if any

● What symptoms to watch for

● What other medicines to give your child if their symptoms get worse

● When to call the doctor or get emergency help

Most action plans have 3 categories:

● Green means the child is breathing well and their asthma symptoms are managed.

● Yellow means they are having some symptoms and need treatment with a quick-relief medicine.

● Red means their symptoms are severe and they need medical help.

How do I create an asthma action plan for my child?

You, your child, and their doctor will work together to make an asthma action plan. Here is an example of an action plan for children (form 1).

The doctor will fill in the information specific to your child. For example, different children take different daily "controller" medicines. Some do not take a daily medicine and only need treatment if they have an asthma attack.

If your child is older, the doctor might suggest they use a "peak flow meter." Your child can use this device at home to help see how well their lungs are working. If they have one, the doctor will show you and your child how to use it.

Your child's action plan will probably change over time as they get older.

How do I use an asthma action plan?

It's important to be familiar with your child's action plan. Review it before you need it so you are prepared if your child has an asthma attack. You might want to keep extra copies of the action plan so you can find it easily when you need it. Schools, day cares, and camps usually also require a copy.

Ask your child's doctor or nurse if there is anything in the action plan you do not understand.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete.

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Apr 04, 2026.

Topic 143243 Version 3.0

Release: 34.3.4 - C34.92

Images

form 1: Asthma action plan (child)

An asthma action plan is a list of instructions that tell you:

What medicines to give your child at home each day, if any
What symptoms to watch for
What other medicines to give your child if their symptoms get worse
When to call the doctor or get emergency help

Graphic 140837 Version 3.0

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof.The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms. 2026© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Retrieved from UpToDate® Digital Architect on: April 24, 2026