How to Use an Asthma Action Plan
Using A Doctor's Written Instructions For Daily Management
Jun 18, 2009
An asthma action plan prepared by a doctor can ease concerns. By using an asthma action plan adults or children with asthma will know in advance what to do to prevent and treat episodes.
A written plan from an asthma doctor will make it easier for patients to track symptoms and know exactly what steps to take when symptoms appear. This will be the patient's day-to-day guide for managing asthma.
An action plan tells asthma patients how to:
- Avoid what triggers asthma.
- Take asthma management or rescue medications as prescribed.
- Use a peak flow meter and record readings.
- Keep an asthma symptom diary.
- Recognize when an asthma episode is approaching.
- Know when asthma medications are running low.
Using a Peak Flow Meter in Conjunction With the Action Plan
An essential part of an asthma action plan will include the use of peak flow monitoring. A peak flow meter is a small, portable, hand-held device used to measure how well air moves out of the lungs. This is called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). There are a number of peak flow meters on the market. An asthma doctor can provide information on where to purchase one and instructions on how to use it.
Using a peak flow meter will take the guesswork out of managing asthma. Because the PEFR usually drops before patients experience asthma symptoms, taking this reading will indicate when problems are beginning. When the PEFR is low, a patient may need to increase or add medications according to the action plan their doctor has prepared.
The Personal Best Reading
The asthma doctor will also help determine the patient's "Personal Best" peak flow reading. This is the rate against which all peak flow scores are compared. By comparing each daily score to the Personal Best score, a doctor can better determine the condition of a patient's airways, and if any changes in the treatment plan are needed. As part of an asthma action plan, the doctor will prescribe medicines based on these PEFRs. The key to keeping asthma under control is daily monitoring and taking the right asthma medication at the right time.
The Three PEFR Color Zones
Peak flow readings are designated by three color zones:
- The Green Zone (80 Percent of your Personal Best): There is no cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during the day or night.
- The Yellow Zone (57 - 79 Percent of your Personal Best): Medicines may need to be added to the asthma action plan. The patient may experience a cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, or wake at night due to asthma. He may not be able perform usual activities.
- The Red Zone (Peak flow is less than 50 Percent of the Personal Best): An emergency may be at hand. The patient may be very short of breath, or quick-acting medicines are not working. The patient cannot perform usual activities, or symptoms remain the same or get worse after 24 hours in the Yellow Zone. A trip to the doctor or emergency room may be needed.
Recording Peak Flow Readings in the Asthma Symptom Diary
It is important to record peak flow reading each day, along with any symptoms experienced. In addition, any suspected triggers that may be causing symptoms, such as increased exercise, exposure to pollen, animal dander, chemical fumes, etc., should be recorded. This will help the doctor determine what is triggering asthma.
Sharing the Asthma Action Plan With Key People
The asthma action plan should be kept in a place where it is readily accessible. Other key people should know where to find it and what to do in case of worsening asthma symptoms. If the action plan is for a child, a copy should be given to the school nurse, the child's teachers and coaches. Copies should also be given to babysitters or other family members who may care for the child.
By carefully following a prescribed asthma action plan, patients can keep asthma under control and minimize the disruptions caused by asthma episodes.
For more information about an asthma action plan, visit the following websites:
The American College of Allergy and Immunology
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