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Back to health libraryMake a plan to control your asthma
How should you use the asthma medications your doctor has prescribed? And when should you call your doctor? When should you head to the emergency room? An asthma action plan will help you answer those key questions.
Use this template as a conversation starter with your doctor.
Your asthma action plan
GO: Maintain your medicine.
I am:
- Breathing easily.
- Not coughing or wheezing.
- Working, sleeping and playing easily.
My peak flow reading:
80% or more of my personal best.
My doctor recommends these medications:
My doctor also recommends that I...
CAUTION: Step up your medicine.
I am:
- Coughing, wheezing or feeling shortness of breath.
- Feeling tightness in my chest.
- Waking up at night.
- Experiencing the first signs of a cold.
My peak flow reading:
50% to 79% of my personal best.
My doctor recommends these medications:
My doctor also recommends that I...
DANGER: Your asthma is getting worse fast.
I am:
- Not getting relief with my medication.
- Breathing hard and fast.
- Struggling to talk.
My peak flow reading:
Less than 50% of my personal best.
My doctor recommends these medications:
My doctor also recommends that I get medical treatment now.
Reviewed 4/9/2024
Sources
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Asthma Action Plan."
https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/asthma-treatment-action-plan/. - American Lung Association. "My Asthma Action Plan." https://www.lung.org/getmedia/dc79f142-a963-47bc-8337-afe3c3e87734/FY21-ALA-Asthma-Action-Plan.pdf.
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. "Asthma Action Plan." https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Asthma-Action-Plan-2020_rev_508.pdf