What is an asthma action plan?

This is a list of instructions that tell you:

• What medicines to take at home each day, if any

• What symptoms to watch for

• What other medicines to take if your symptoms get worse

• When to call the doctor or get emergency help

Most action plans have 3 categories:

• Green means you are breathing well and your asthma symptoms are under control.

• Yellow means you are having some symptoms and need to use your asthma medicines to get asthma back under control.

• Red means the symptoms are severe and you need medical help.

How do I create an asthma action plan?

You and your doctor will work together to make one. The figure is an example of an action plan (form 1).

Your doctor can help you fill in the information specific to you. For example, some people take daily "controller" medicines. Others do not take a daily medicine, and only need treatment if they have an asthma attack.

As part of the action plan, you might need to use a device called a "peak flow meter." You use this at home to see how well your lungs are working. The doctor will show you how to use it.

Your action plan might change over time.

How do I use an asthma action plan?

It's important to be familiar with your action plan. Review it before you need it, so you are prepared if you have an asthma attack. You might want to keep extra copies of the action plan so you can find it easily when you need it.

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

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form 1: Asthma action plan (adult)

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

• What medicines to take at home each day, if any

• What symptoms to watch for

• What other medicines to take if your symptoms get worse

• When to call the doctor or get emergency help

Graphic 140838 Version 2.0