The comprehensive management plan for a person with asthma often called the asthma action plan integrates symptoms and/or peak flow with medications and self-monitoring into a single document the person can post at home for easy reference.

 

Any person may find an action plan useful, but it’s especially important for people with moderate to severe asthma or a history of severe exacerbation. Most action plans include both symptoms and PEF monitoring.

 

Your health care provider should provide an asthma action plan for you. By monitoring your symptoms and/or peak flow readings you will be able to use the asthma action plan as a guide self-management of your asthma. The plan should help you respond appropriately when your asthma symptoms worsen, aiming to prevent an emergency visit to the doctor or ER.

 

Most action plans use the traffic light model for organizing treatment:

 

Green Zone = Good Control = 80-100% of personal best peak flow. Keep taking your medicines.

 

Yellow Zone = Caution. Your asthma is getting worse. Peak Flow 50-80%. Add or increase quick relief medicines; you may need to add or increase other medicines such as anti-inflammatories as directed by your health care provider. Call your provider.

 

Red Zone = Medical Alert. Peak flow 50% or below. Add or increase medicines and seek care immediately.