Following Your Asthma Action Plan

Transcript

Whether your asthma was diagnosed by your primary care provider or in a hospital, your healthcare provider should have worked with you to develop an Asthma Action Plan.

And you should have received a tool to test your own breathing at home, called a peak flow meter, or monitor. If you have not been given a plan, or a monitor, ask for them. They are important tools for you to use as you learn to get your asthma under control.

"When I have difficulty breathing, I will start and that’s the first thing my pulmonologist will ask me, ’What’s your peak flow?’ And that, along with other symptoms, then his diagnosis will determine what type of medication I need."

You and your healthcare provider will work together to create the steps you need to take to get in control of your asthma. This is your asthma action plan.

Use your asthma action plan as your guide. It’s your road map for successfully managing your asthma. Following it every day is the most important thing you will do between now and the next time you meet with your healthcare provider.

Typically, an asthma action plan contains the following information - your healthcare provider’s name and phone number; and any known triggers - things that aggravate your asthma symptoms - that you should avoid.

The plan has an area to write down the names of your controller or daily medications, and the quick-relief medications that you should take only when you have symptoms.

Also importantly, the plan has areas in which you compare the results of your daily peak flow breathing tests. This area is divided into three peak flow zones. These zones, divided into three colors like a traffic signal, show at a glance how well your lungs are functioning. And each has its own instructions for you to follow.

When your peak flow numbers are in the green zone, you can go on as usual. You should keep taking your controller medications as prescribed, and continue your normal activities. If your readings continue to stay within the green zone your asthma is in great control.

If you’re in the yellow zone, take caution. You might notice symptoms such as coughing, mild wheezing, or a tight chest. You should continue taking your controller medications, and add any quick-relief medications as directed. You should be extra careful to avoid your asthma triggers. Your healthcare provider will generally want you to call whenever your readings in the yellow zone.

If your peak flow numbers are in the red zone, it’s dangerous and you need to get help.You’ll experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and labored breathing. This can be life threatening. Take your quick-relief medications right away. If you are in the presence of a trigger, leave the area immediately. Then call your healthcare provider or call 911 if you are having trouble walking or talking, or if your fingernails or lips turn blue.

It’s very important that you understand your plan and follow it carefully.

If you have any questions about your asthma action plan at any time, call the contact number listed on your hospital discharge paperwork, or call your healthcare provider’s office. And be sure to take your plan with you to your next doctor’s appointment.

Your asthma action plan may change every so often, depending on your response to your medications, the changing seasons, your overall asthma control, or other factors.

Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. And following your asthma action plan is the best way to begin.

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