What is an asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan is a set of guidelines for children who are old enough to use a peak flow meter to help you manage your asthma and keep you as healthy as possible.

An asthma action plan can prevent attacks by helping recognize the early signs of an asthma attack and to use your medications properly.

Asthma attacks occur when the lungs become inflamed, causing plugging and narrowing of your breathing tubes.

This narrowing is what makes it hard to breathe during an attack.

If you don't have a peak flow meter or are unable to use one, it is important to recognize the symptoms of an early asthma attack.

Pay attention to the symptoms that come before severe difficulty breathing such as an annoying cough, allergy symptoms, cold symptoms etc.

It is important to remember that no two people with asthma are alike; the plan below is only a general guideline. If you have questions about the best way to control your asthma, please call our office for an appointment.

How do I begin using an asthma action plan?

To begin using an asthma action plan, you must first establish a personal best, or measurement of how your lungs perform when you are healthy.

When you experience symptoms, you will be able to determine their severity compared to your baseline.

To establish your personal best, follow the instructions below on using a peak flow meter:

It is a good idea to use the peak flow meter each morning to see how your lungs are doing.

Always check a peak flow reading at the earliest sign of difficulty breathing such as an annoying cough as this is the easiest time to head off an asthma attack.

What role do my medications play in managing my asthma?

Some asthma medications must be taken EVERY DAY to be effective, even when you are feeling well.

These medications act by toning down the inflammation in your lungs and include steroids (Aerobid®, Azmacort®, Beclovent®, Flovent® etc.) and cromolyn (Intal®).

Other medications should be used when you have difficulty breathing or before exercise if exercise is a trigger.

Once you know your baseline lung performance, you can use your peak flow meter to determine the degree of your symptoms.

How do I use a peak flow meter?

A peak flow meter measures how much air you can blow out of your lungs as fast as possible. Use these steps to take a peak flow reading:

What does my peak flow reading mean?

Compare your peak flow reading to your baseline (normal) reading. Follow the management instructions below under the appropriate zone for your reading.

To calculate your zone, follow these steps:

We suggest calculating and recording these ranges when you determine your baseline, so that you will not have to calculate them when you are having an attack.

You can adjust the colored arrows on your peak flow meter to show you where the zones are.

The next time you come to our office for an appointment, please bring your ranges with you so we can see how you are doing.

If you are confused or are having difficulty calculating your zones, call our office to speak with a nurse.

GREEN ZONE (between 80-100% of your baseline)

Great! Your lungs are doing fine. Use your daily medications normally as directed by our office. If you continue to have any difficulty breathing, check your peak flow again. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your symptoms, call our office now.

YELLOW ZONE (between 60-80% of your baseline)

Caution--You are probably experiencing some symptoms such as coughing or mild wheezing. If you are having difficulty breathing or feel like you need to use your albuterol nebulizer or inhaler, try the following:

RED ZONE (below 60% of your baseline)

Danger! Your peak flow is very low, indicating a severe asthma attack. Try the following:

IF YOU CANNOT REACH US AT THE OFFICE, GO DIRECTLY TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT THE NEAREST HOSPITAL!