Here’s Why Asthma Action Plans Are So Important

If you have asthma, you know the condition is always with you. You also know an airway-inflaming, chest-tightening symptom flare can occur anytime you encounter one of your asthma triggers, whether it’s an airborne irritant, viral infection, or stress. 

But you don’t have to let the ever-looming threat of an asthma attack curtail your life. 

In recognition of Asthma Awareness Month this May, our expert team at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates wants you to know that long-term asthma control is possible, and it all begins with a comprehensive, living document called an asthma action plan. 

What is an asthma action plan? 

An asthma action plan is a detailed set of written instructions that aims to keep your condition well-controlled and prevent severe, emergency exacerbations. Based on the type and severity of your asthma, this personalized plan spells out exactly how and/or when to:

• Identify and avoid your asthma triggers
• Treat your asthma daily (controller meds)
• Adjust your approach to exercise or illness
• Use peak flow readings to monitor your asthma
• Spot signs of an impending asthma attack
• Take your quick-relief medicine (inhaler)
• Call your doctor or seek emergency care

Your asthma action plan isn’t a static document — it changes with your asthma, whenever it improves or worsens, to continue providing the best possible support. Regular action plan reviews and updates are part of ongoing asthma management. 

Three color-coded zones of care

An asthma action plan is a user-friendly document that makes asthma management easy. It’s divided into three clear, color-coded action zones that tell you how to manage your asthma, depending on how you feel.

Green zone 

In this zone, you’re doing well. You aren’t experiencing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or breathing difficulties. You can participate in your usual activities, provided you continue to avoid asthma triggers and take your daily controller medications as directed. 

Yellow zone 

You’re in the yellow asthma care zone if you’re having one or more symptoms, such as periodic coughing, slight shortness of breath, or minor chest tightness. You may be able to participate in some activities, but you’re less active than normal. 

In this zone, you must follow specific directions for taking additional asthma medications until you return to the green zone. If your yellow-zone symptoms stay the same (or worsen) after 24 hours despite increased medication, you enter the red zone.  

Red zone

In this zone, you’re experiencing severe or unabating asthma symptoms. You’re either very short of breath, your quick-relief medication hasn’t helped, or your symptoms are the same or worse after 24 hours in the yellow zone. Red zone symptoms are a medical emergency. 

Effective asthma management 

The primary goal of your asthma action plan is to help you control the condition from one day to the next — and keep it well-controlled long-term. It sets you up for success through three interdependent goals that aim to help you: 

• Stay within the green zone as much as possible
• Reverse out of the yellow zone as quickly as possible
• Avoid entering the red zone whenever possible 

Your plan lays the foundation for confident action when you need it most — when your peak flow meter or emerging symptoms are giving you early warning of a mounting exacerbation or when you’re in the red zone and must act decisively. 

Five asthma action plan benefits

By empowering you to act in your own best interest while removing the second-guessing trap that might cause you to delay timely self-care, your asthma action plan is an essential part of staying healthy and active while living with a chronic lung disease. Benefits include: 

1. Early symptom recognition

Your action plan helps you recognize when your asthma symptoms are worsening, so you can take the right steps in a timely way to stop their progression. 

2. Exacerbation prevention

When you’re able to effectively halt asthma symptom emergence, you’re more likely to avoid having a severe asthma attack. 

3. Far fewer visits to the ER 

When your action plan successfully prevents severe asthma symptoms and keeps you out of the red zone, you have fewer emergency room visits.

4. Improved asthma control

Knowing what to do every day — on routine days as well as before exercise, during allergy season, or when you’re sick with a cold — gives you the upper hand over asthma for improved control.

5. Enhanced quality of life

When your asthma is well-controlled, you’re healthier and more active. You also miss fewer workdays and have fewer limitations in life. 

Is your asthma under control? 

Don’t let asthma stop you from living life to the fullest. Work with one of our board-certified pulmonologists to create or update your personal asthma action plan. 

Take our online Asthma Control Test today. Then schedule an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates in Allen, McKinney, or Plano, Texas, at your convenience.