Overview

You can use an asthma diary to help track your peak flow readings, your symptoms, and your asthma triggers.

• Record your peak expiratory flow.
  • Measure your peak flow often—every morning and evening if possible—if your doctor recommends it.
  • It may be helpful to record your peak flow using the same green, yellow, and red zone system used in your asthma action plan.
• Record your symptoms.
  • If you have an asthma attack, write down what you think triggered it and your symptoms.
  • Write down what kind of medicine you used for quick relief and how well it worked.
  • Note if you had to call your doctor or get emergency care. This can help you know your triggers and help your doctor monitor your treatment.
• Here is an example of what you might include in your asthma diary, if you measure peak flow.
  • Day: Tuesday
  • Morning peak flow: Green
  • Evening peak flow: Red
  • Trigger: Swimming
  • Symptoms: Wheezing
  • Quick-relief medicine and response: Took albuterol. Got rid of wheezing.
  • Red-zone visit to doctor or hospital: No
• Share your diary with your doctor when you have a checkup.

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