What Is an Asthma Action Plan?
An asthma action plan is a personalized, written guide developed with your healthcare provider to help you manage your asthma on a daily basis — and to know exactly what steps to take if symptoms worsen. This essential tool empowers individuals living with asthma, as well as caregivers, to recognize warning signs, adjust medication, and know when emergency care is necessary.
If you or your child lives with asthma, having an asthma action plan can reduce the risk of severe flare-ups and hospitalizations. It’s especially important for children to share their asthma plan with schools, aftercare programs, and any other caregivers.
Why an Asthma Action Plan Matters
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that requires proactive, daily management. A well-structured asthma action plan helps you:
- Identify your asthma triggers
- Understand how and when to take long-term and rescue medications
- Monitor your condition through symptoms or peak flow measurements
- Know when to seek urgent medical attention
Having this information clearly documented helps patients and caregivers make quick, informed decisions—especially during an asthma attack. If you’re new to asthma or looking for ways to better manage your symptoms, visit our Asthma Treatment resource pages for more guidance on therapies and products.
What’s Included in an Asthma Action Plan?
General Information
Every asthma action plan may include:
- A list of known asthma triggers
- Names and dosages of asthma medications
- Daily monitoring tips (either by symptom tracking or peak flow measurements)
- Instructions for medication use in each asthma zone
- Emergency contact information, including your doctor and the nearest hospital
Asthma Zones: Green, Yellow, and Red
Asthma plans are typically divided into three zones similar to a “traffic light system” that help guide treatment decisions:
Green Zone – Doing Well
This zone indicates good asthma control. You’re breathing easily, sleeping well, and have no symptoms. Continue with your maintenance plan or your long-term control medications as prescribed.
Yellow Zone – Caution
This zone means symptoms are starting, such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath and a signal to monitor your symptoms closer and adjust your activities as needed. Use your quick-relief (rescue) medication and follow your plan if an adjustment in medication is needed to prevent symptoms from worsening.
Red Zone – Medical Alert
This is the emergency zone. If symptoms are severe or not improving after using your rescue inhaler, follow your emergency instructions and seek medical help immediately.
Monitoring Your Asthma: Symptoms vs. Peak Flow Rate
Peak Flow Monitoring: A peak flow meter can detect changes in airflow even before symptoms are being recognized. Your healthcare provider will help you determine your personal best peak flow rate, which serves as a baseline to help determine the peak flow ranges for your asthma zones.
- Green Zone: A peak flow meter reading at 80% or more of your personal best.
- Yellow Zone: A peak flow meter reading between 50% and 80% of your personal best.
- Red Zone: A peak flow meter reading less than 50% of your personal best.
Symptom Monitoring: If peak flow monitoring isn’t used, tracking symptoms is another effective method.
- Daytime symptoms (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness)
- Decreased ability to work, exercise, or play
- Waking up at night with symptoms
- blue lips or fingernails,
- rapid breathing
- difficulty speaking or walking
Medication Instructions in Your Asthma Action Plan
Your plan should clearly list:
- Names of medications
- Dosages and timing
- Adjustments to make based on which asthma zone you are in
There are two main types of inhaled asthma medications:
Long-Term Control Medicines: These medications (also called controller or maintenance medicines) are taken daily to reduce inflammation in the lungs. They work over time to prevent symptoms and should be taken even when you feel well.
Quick-Relief Medicines: Also known as rescue inhalers or relievers, these fast-acting medications relax the muscles around your airways that can be causing narrowing of the air passages, making it easier to breathe during a flare-up. Use them at the first sign of symptoms or before exercise if recommended.
What to Do in an Asthma Emergency
The Red Zone section of your asthma action plan provides step-by-step instructions for what to do during a severe asthma episode. It should include:
- Emergency contact numbers for your doctor, urgent care, or local hospital
- Instructions for medication use during a crisis
- When to call 911 or visit the emergency room
If you are experiencing frequent Red Zone symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your treatment plan or exploring additional options such as valved holding chambers or nebulizers, available in our asthma products lineup.
Download an Asthma Action Plan
Take the first step toward better asthma control. Download and complete an asthma action plan below with your healthcare provider:
These downloadable forms are especially helpful for school-aged children who may need to carry their inhalers and communicate their plan with teachers or school nurses.
Helpful Resources:
For more information on asthma management and best practices, we recommend:
- CDC: Asthma Action Plans
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Asthma Care
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
For questions about the clinical references, therapeutic claims, or product usage described herein, please contact Monaghan Medical Corporation.
