When you have asthma,having an asthma action plan is one of the best things you can do to keep your asthma under control and help you live better with asthma for the long term.
An action plan clearly shows you how you're doing and what to do when you start having problems.
And because asthma affects everyone differently, your personal asthma action plan is designed just for you.
An asthma action plan has three zones that are based on your symptoms: The green zone is where you want to be every day.
It's where your symptoms are under control and asthma isn't getting in your way.
You move into the yellow zone when your symptoms start getting worse.
Your plan will list specific things you need to do when you're in the yellow zone-things like adjusting your medicine, keeping a closer watch on your symptoms, and calling your doctor's office-to make sure you get better and not worse. When you're in the yellow zone, follow the instructions in your plan and get back to the green zone as soon as you can.
If you move into the red zone, that means you're in trouble and you need to take fast action to get your asthma under control.
You'll need to adjust your medicine right away and track your symptoms. And based on the instructions in your plan, you may need to go to the emergency room. Be sure you know what to do ahead of time in case your symptoms ever put you in the red zone.
By working with your doctor to build and understand your personal asthma action plan, you can take control of your asthma and live better for the long term.