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How to use the Asthma Action Plan: A Parent’s Step by Step Guide

When you get the Asthma Action Plan from your doctor, make sure you understand how to use it.

  • Make sure you and your child’s doctor agree on what symptoms mean your child is in the green, yellow or red zones.
  • Make sure you know which medicine and how much medicine should be given in each zone.
  • Know the difference between quick relief and controller medications, so that you can give your child the right medication at the right time!

GREEN ZONE: Feeling Well

If my child is in the Green Zone, my child… Then my child should…
  • Is breathing normal.
  • Has very little or no coughing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest during school, exercise or play.
  • Take Quick Relief medication only as needed.
  • If prescribed, take Controller everyday.

YELLOW ZONE: If Not Feeling Well

If my child is in the Yellow Zone, my child… Then my child should…
  • Is coughing, has whistling in the chest, or wheezing.
  • Might not be able to sleep, play or exercise.
  • Continue taking Controller medications.
  • Take more quick relief medications.
  • Stay away from his/her asthma triggers. Triggers that your child can normally be around in the GREEN ZONE may can be a real problem in the YELLOW ZONE.
  • Your child may or may not be able to go to school.
  • Call your doctor if you’re not sure what to do.

RED ZONE: If Feeling Very Sick

If my child is in the Red Zone, my child’s… Then I should…
  • Asthma symptoms are getting worse and the quick relief medications don’t seem to help.
  • Breathing heavy, fast and cannot talk well.
  • This is the emergency zone!
  • Watch my child closely until the right care has been given to my child and my child returns to the YELLOW and GREEN ZONES.
  • When in doubt call your Doctor!
  • If your child’s lips or fingernails are gray or blue GO TO THE DOCTOR OR EMERGENCY ROOM RIGHT AWAY!

Red Zone Tip:

Use this technique to calm your child while you seek help.

Someone with an asthma attack should:
STOP whatever they are doing!
DROP carefully to a chair or the floor.
FLOP to a comfortable position for breathing.

When in doubt, call 911!
  AmbulanceAmbulance

Child Action PlanChild Action Plan

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  • Last updated February 9th, 2012
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Be Prepared: Make a Plan

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