What is an asthma action plan?

Asthma is a chronic condition that is often long-term. It attacks the airways of your lungs and causes inflammation. It results in difficulty in breathing, which is a severe condition. Though it is severe, you can treat the symptoms. By proper management, you can control asthma. If you have ever wondered how to cure asthma, the only way is to take medications. Taking the correct medications at the right time is essential. In that case, an action plan will help you take the appropriate medications and monitor your asthma. It thereby controls your symptoms and helps to manage your condition. Let’s find out more about it:

What is it?

It is a written description that includes the medications, symptoms, emergency times, and instructions to take medicines. It includes zones like green, red, and yellow. It lists medications and the actions you should take at each level. It contains information for patients on how to treat asthma and manage their symptoms. In case of an emergency, they can follow the instruction given in the plan.

The asthma action plan

Doctors give the asthma action plan based on the medications and conditions of the patient. It contains different zones that reflect the symptoms:

  • Green – It refers to individuals who have no or fewer symptoms
  • Yellow – when the symptoms are at a moderate level
  • Red – It refers to individuals who are in an emergency

Based on the zone, patients can identify the severity of their symptoms. The asthma action plan also contains information like the medication to be followed and medications in case of emergency, the triggers of every patient, and symptoms that gets severe. Along with that, it also contains contact information of the hospital and the details of the health care professional.

The zones

Each zone in the asthma action plan reflects the symptoms and the medications to cure it.

  • Green zone

It represents that you have no symptoms and are normal. For these individuals, their breathing is normal. They can take controller medication given to them. It can be inhalers or anti-allergy medicines.

  • Yellow zone

It represents that you have the risk of an asthma attack. In case of symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, they belong to this zone. There are chances that the symptoms can flare up. They should take their daily medication suggested for this zone. They can take quick-relief medications to treat their symptoms.

  • Red zone

It represents individuals with severe conditions that need emergency care. In that case, you must immediately report it to your healthcare professional. Though there are medications suggested, they must get the proper treatment.

Peak flow rate

It is an instrument to differentiate patients into green, yellow, and red zones. Individuals take the peak flow test, which measures the air they can blow out of their lungs. Based on the score, they can find the condition of the patients. You can also take this test at home.

To sum up

Though asthma is a severe condition, you can treat it. Taking medications is the only way for those wondering how to treat asthma. Manage your asthma by following the asthma action plan. Take the medications to manage your symptoms.

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About the Author: Teresa Sabo