Asthma: Using an asthma action plan
Introduction
If you or your child has asthma that requires daily treatment, it is important to have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is a written plan that tells you what asthma medicine to take every day and how to treat an asthma attack. It can help you make quick decisions in case you are not able to think clearly during an attack.
An asthma action plan usually includes:
- Treatment goals, which include your personal goals about your asthma.
- An outline of which medicines you take daily for asthma control and when to take them.
- An asthma diary where you record peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the triggers that cause asthma symptoms.
- Steps to take and medicines to use to treat an asthma attack early, before it becomes severe.
- What to do if an attack becomes an emergency, and where to get medical treatment.
Using an asthma action plan can help you stay active with fewer asthma problems. Following your plan is a big step toward controlling the disease so you can live the life you want.
What do the zones in an asthma action plan mean?
Why should you use an asthma action plan?
How to use an asthma action plan
Where to go from here
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: March 20, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
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