In a perfect world, asthma would be a thing of the past. However, this very real health concern is a staple of life for more than 25 million Americans. The good news is that this common respiratory condition is also well-understood. By working alongside your allergy and asthma specialist, you can create a plan that keeps symptoms in check and your life on track.

What is an asthma action plan?

When it comes to allergies and asthma, it never hurts to have a plan, and an asthma action plan is your guide to good health. This worksheet is completed by you and your doctor and contains vital information for managing your flare-ups. This information can include:

Name and date of birth
Asthma triggers
List of medications (control and quick-relief)
Emergency contact information

Asthma action plans are commonly broken down into three zones – Green (Doing Well), Yellow (Caution) and Red (Emergency) – and outline steps to managing symptoms in each situation. Your zone can be determined by evaluating your “peak flow,” a measurement of how fast you can push air out of your lungs at full strength. A falling peak flow can be a sign your asthma is worsening.

The Green Zone (Doing Well)

Patients “in the green” are operating at their peak – generally 85-100% of peak flow. In this zone, you will not be experiencing any asthma symptoms. Patients should continue taking long-term control medications as instructed to maintain asthma control.

Note: Asthma flare-ups can happen to anyone, even patients who spend most of their time in the green. Always remain vigilant for signs of oncoming symptoms. Do not alter your plan or dosages without consulting your allergy and asthma specialist.

The Yellow Zone (Caution)

If mild asthma symptoms appear, you’ve likely entered the Yellow Zone. This stage typically begins when peak flow drops between 50-85%. In the yellow, you may find yourself experiencing coughing or fatigue while simply resting. Exercise or movement can exacerbate your condition.

Patients in the Yellow Zone should refer to their asthma action plan before administering quick-relief medications, like albuterol and levalbuterol inhalers. Continue taking long-lasting medicines as directed in the Green Zone. This stage can last several hours up to a few days.

The Red Zone (Emergency)

If peak flow readings have dropped below 50%, you’ve entered the Red Zone. This stage is characterized by intense asthma symptoms, including persistent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. In this zone, patients should always check peak flow before and 20 minutes after taking asthma medications.

Contact your doctor and/or seek emergency medical aid if severe symptoms continue. These signs can include:

Nails or lips turning blue
Nostrils flaring with each breath
Taking 30 or more breaths per minute
Difficulty talking or walking at a regular pace

Let’s make a plan for your relief!

Asthma can be tricky to handle on your own. Luckily, asthma patients can rely on our providers. At Allergy & Asthma Specialists, our trusted allergy and asthma specialists are ready to guide patients toward relief. With locations across the nation, relief is always close to home. Contact us today to schedule your next allergy or asthma appointment.

About Allergy & Asthma Specialists

Allergy & Asthma Specialists is affiliated with Family Allergy & Asthma, a network of allergy and asthma doctors dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable and lasting allergy relief. Allergy & Asthma Specialists serves patients at eight Philadelphia-area locations, including the communities of Blue Bell, Collegeville, Doylestown, Jenkintown, King of Prussia, Landsdale, Philadelphia and Pottstown. For more information, visit allergyphilly.com, and follow Allergy & Asthma Specialists on Facebook, Instagram and X.