Asthma Action Plan
Learning about the various aspects of asthma, its management and its control involves many components, such as triggers, signs and symptoms, medications and peak flow meters and readings. The Asthma Action Plan (AAP) is an important and effective tool that is used to coordinate these aspects and to help take the guesswork out of asthma control and management.
What is an AAP
An AAP is a concise, compact written plan developed by you/your child and the doctor. It is designed to keep you/your child well and to facilitate in dealing with any problems that may arise. It will help you manage asthma by guiding you in what to do and when to do it, to help control and prevent asthma from getting worse. The plan is designed specifically for you/your child, including what to watch for and what steps to take to manage every situation.
What information will I find in an AA
An AAP should include information on:
-- Medication:
This includes daily preventative, or control medications, if these have been prescribed, as well as rescue, or relief medicines, which are those used for symptoms. It will include how much of each medicine to use, how often to use it, and when to use it.
-- Advice on Monitoring:
This includes watching for your/your childs’ warning signs or symptoms. Remember, treating symptoms when they first start is the most effective way to regain control and to prevent problems from getting worse. If you/your child uses a Peak Flow Meter (PFM), the plan will include guidelines to using Peak Flow numbers to monitor how well medications are working.
-- Guidelines for Making Decisions:
The AAP will aid in making decisions about how well medicines are working, when more or less medicine may be needed, or when to seek further medical care.
-- Known Triggers:
The AAP may list the triggers that are known to affect your/ your childs’ asthma, so that they can be avoided. If exercise is a known trigger, a pretreatment plan for that will also be included.
-- How to Reach the Doctor:
Phone numbers for your doctor, nurse or clinic are included should you need them or have any questions.
-- Emergency Instructions:
Guidelines on how to handle severe asthma symptoms, recognizing danger signs and how to reach prompt emergency care, including when to go to the Emergency Room or reach EMS.
How do we use the AAP
To simplify understanding of the AAP
it is set up in a "TRAFFIC LIGHT" format:
GREEN for GO
YELLOW for CAUTION
RED for STOP!/DANGER
-- GREEN ZONE: This includes a daily plan of care, including daily control medicines, if they have been prescribed. No symptoms are present and daily activities can be done without symptoms or interruptions. Peak Flow readings are 80-100% of best – All systems GO!
-- YELLOW ZONE: This is the area where the rescue plan begins. The AAP will guide you in promptly dealing with changes in asthma symptoms so control can be regained. This zone includes the start of symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and mild shortness of breath. Usual activities may be difficult or interrupted. Peak Flow readings may drop to 50-80% of best. This is not where you should be! – TAKE CAUTION/ SLOW DOWN/ BE ALERT!
-- RED ZONE: This is the guide for asthma emergencies. The Red Zone means urgent medical care is needed. Symptoms have become severe and Peak Flow numbers are below 50% of best – STOP/ DANGER!
Are there other tips for getting the most from the AAP
- Keep the AAP handy and in a place where it is easily found, such as near the telephone or on the refrigerator.
- Give a copy of the AAP to anyone and everyone who helps you/ your child deal with asthma including babysitters, daycare providers, teachers, Phys Ed teachers, coaches and other family members. Make sure they understand how to use the plan.
- Stress to your child the importance of telling an adult when he or she is having even mild asthma symptoms.
- Bring the plan with you to doctor visits. Plans may need to be adjusted depending on how often asthma acts up. AAP’s need to be reviewed by the doctor at least every year.
- Bring the plan with you if you must go to an emergency center. This will help caregivers to see what has already been done, and what the next step should be.
Where do we get an AAP
Your / your childs regular asthma doctor or nurse should give you a plan. Make certain that the plan is clear to you and that you understand all parts if it, including:
- When to call the doctor
- When to seek emergency care
- When relief medicine is not enough
- When or if to increase inhaled steroids
- When or if to start oral steroids
Remember, asthma is not cureable, but it is controllable. A specific Action Plan for you/ your child will help to achieve and maintain control as well as prevent worsening of an attack should one begin or occur.