Plan on Keeping Asthma in Check

Action Plan Check Marks If you have asthma, you probably already know how important it is to manage your symptoms, avoid asthma triggers, and stick to a treatment routine. But did you know that an asthma action plan can help you accomplish all these goals?

An asthma action plan is an individualized set of instructions that your doctor develops for you. It uses your symptoms and peak-flow meter readings to help you pinpoint how much your asthma is under control. With this information, you can rate the severity of your condition based on the plan’s simple color code:

Green means that your asthma is under control.
Yellow is a signal that your asthma is getting worse.
Red warns of a medical emergency.

For each color stage, your doctor will outline exactly which medicine to take, when, and how much. And it tells you if you should call for help.

Knowing when to take medicine and how much to take can be confusing—especially in an emergency. That’s why having a written asthma action plan is so helpful. These plans act like personal “guidebooks” for handling asthma. They give easy instructions on what to do when.

Studies have found that people who used a plan to manage their asthma had fewer emergency room visits, fewer hospital stays, and better lung function than those who didn’t use a plan.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, asthma leads to 2 million emergency room visits and about 500,000 hospital stays every year. It also results in 4,500 deaths annually. However, with the right medical care and self-management, most people with asthma can lead very active, healthy lives.

If you don’t have an asthma action plan, ask your doctor if one might help you.

Learn How to Breathe Easy Online

Our Web site can help you manage your asthma. You’ll find a section devoted to helpful tools and tips on controlling triggers, using medication, and more. Click here for more information on Asthma.


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