Using an Asthma Action Plan

Each child with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan that’s made just for them. The action plan may use 4 color zones to help you decide what to do.

This plan tells you:

  • What medicines to take
  • When to take them
  • What to do if symptoms get worse
  • When to get medical help

Share your child’s Asthma Action Plan with anyone who cares for them, like family members, teachers, school nurses, coaches, and babysitters.

GREEN ZONE
(DOING WELL)

Keep taking GREEN ZONE medicines.

  • Breathing is great
  • No coughing or wheezing
  • Asthma doesn't bother sleep or exercise

Take GREEN ZONE medicines each day to help prevent flare-ups.

YELLOW ZONE
(SYMPTOMS STARTING)

Start reliever medicine when:

  • Getting a cold
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing a lot
  • Having trouble breathing

Keep taking GREEN ZONE medicines and start using reliever medicine with a spacer.
ORANGE ZONE
(IN TROUBLE!)

Call your child's doctor for help if reliever medicine isn't working:

  • Medicine isn't lasting up to 4 hours
  • Symptoms are coming back too soon
  • Awake all night because of asthma symptoms
  • Need more than 4 doses of relief medicine in 1 day
Follow the ORANGE ZONE medicine instructions on your Asthma Action Plan (AAP).

If you cannot reach your doctor and symptoms continue, go to an urgent care or emergency room.
RED ZONE
(IN DANGER!)

 Call 911 or go to the closest ER right away.

On the way to the ER, take RED ZONE medicines.

Breathing is bad:

  • Gasping (breathing hard and fast)
  • Ribs show when breathing
  • Neck or stomach caving in
  • Hard to talk or walk
Follow the RED ZONE medicine instructions on your Asthma Action Plan (AAP).