Asthma Action Plan

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Doing Well

  • I don’t have a cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing at any time.
  • I can do all the things I usually do.
  • When I use a peak flow meter, my peak flow* is more than 80 percent or more of my best peak flow.
  • Continue taking your long-term control medicine.

Asthma is Getting Worse

  • I have some coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. Or
  • I wake up at night because of my asthma. Or
  • I can’t do some of the things I usually do. Or
  • When I use a peak flow meter, my peak flow* is half to three-quarters of my best peak flow.
  • Add your quick-relief medicine and continue your long-term control medicine.
  • If your symptoms improve after an hour, keep checking them and continue your long-term control medicine.

Medical Alert

  • I have a lot of trouble breathing. Or
  • My quick-relief medicines are not helping. Or
  • I can’t do any of the things I usually do. Or
  • I was in the yellow zone for 24 hours, and I’m not getting better. Or
  • When I use a peak flow meter, my peak flow* is less than half of my best peak flow.
  • Add the other medicines your doctor has prescribed and call your doctor.
  • If your symptoms don’t improve and you can’t reach your doctor, go to the Emergency Department.

*Peak flow measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs

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