Take charge with your asthma action plan

Everybody who has asthma needs an asthma action plan. Even if your asthma is well-controlled, a close encounter with your friend’s cat or a whiff of fumes from a bus could throw you into a full-scale attack. With a plan at your fingertips, you can track your symptoms and know exactly what to do if your asthma flares up.

“An action plan puts you in control of your asthma,” says Vanessa Cavero-Chavez, M.D., an allergist and immunologist. “It’s a tool that you and your provider come up with together that’s specific to your needs. So if a flare-up happens, you’ll know exactly what you need to do.”

Follow these six simple steps to get started with your asthma action plan. If you'd prefer to use a pre-existing template, check out the Asthma Action Plan from the American Lung Association, which you can download in English, Spanish, and other languages.

1. Partner with your provider.

The best asthma action plans are built together with your provider or an asthma and allergy specialist, who can run tests and pinpoint your unique triggers and help you fold them into your plan. Many specialists also offer asthma education classes, which are a great source of practical advice for both patients and their families.

“Discuss your triggers and symptoms. Then come up with a plan together,” says Dr. Cavero-Chavez. Part of that conversation should be understanding whether a medication they've prescribed is intended to be used regularly to manage symptoms, or as a rescue inhaler.

Getting started is simple: all you need is a sheet of paper (or also ask your doctor if they have a template you can use.) Once it's all down in writing, you'll feel more prepared, not panicked, if your asthma acts up.

2. Include your vital information.

On your paper, write down the following:

• Your name.
• Your emergency contact’s name and number.
• Your provider's contact info.
• Your asthma triggers, such as allergies, smoke, exercise, or dust.
• Your current list of medications.

3. Know your zones.

Think traffic lights. Then divide your plan into three sections: green, yellow, and red. These zones are based on your symptoms and peak flow readings. The percentages compare your current peak flow reading with your personal best. This helps show how well your asthma is under control. Each zone explains what to do when your peak flow reading falls within a certain range. 

Green zone: All systems are go. 

Your breathing is good, with no cough or wheeze, and your peak flow meter reading is 80 percent or higher. In this case, your provider will likely have you continue your long-term control medicine as directed. In the green zone section, you can jot down ways to prevent asthma symptoms. Examples include using your controller medication and avoiding asthma triggers.

Yellow zone: Caution. 

Your asthma is beginning to flare up. Signs include having mild breathing problems, coughing or wheezing, and a peak flow meter reading between 50 and 79 percent. Your provider might tell you to keep taking your long-term control medicine and advise you on when to take your quick-relief medicine. This part of your plan tells you what to do to treat your symptoms before they get worse — to help you return to the green zone.

Red zone: Danger. 

Call your provider or contact 911. If you’re having trouble breathing, your medicine isn’t helping, and your peak flow meter reading is less than 50 percent, you may be having a serious attack. Your provider might advise you to take additional medicine. Or they may tell you to go straight to the hospital. In this section you’ll list medications to take in an emergency.

4. Share your plan with others.

Let your friends, family, and coworkers in on your plan. That way if you have an asthma attack, you don’t have to go it alone. Plus, when others know what to do when they see you wheezing or gasping for air, they can spring into action to get you the help you need.

5. Keep medications close by.

Always carry your fast-action rescue inhaler with you, whether you're at home or at the gym. It’s a good idea to store extra rescue inhalers in places you frequent, such as at work. And check expiration dates periodically to make sure none of the medications has expired. Talk to your provider about replacing expired meds.

6. Know when to call 911.

Know what to do if your meds aren’t helping. And have clear guidelines about when to go to the ER. Follow this rule: Call 911 if your breathing continues to be difficult after using your rescue inhaler, or if it doesn’t improve after your provider's instructions. Always carry your provider's phone number and other emergency numbers; add them to the contact list on your mobile phone for speedy dialing.

Don’t let asthma get the best of you. Your action plan is key to staying prepared so you can keep doing what you love.

For additional guidance and support, explore the American Lung Association's asthma education programs.