What Is an Asthma Action Plan?

An asthma action plan is a personalised written guide that helps people with asthma manage their condition day-to-day [1]. It explains what to do when asthma is under control, when symptoms get worse, and in an emergency. The plan is created with a healthcare professional, such as a GP or asthma nurse.

Why is an asthma action plan important?

Having a clear plan makes it easier to:

Understand your daily asthma treatment
Recognise early warning signs of worsening asthma
Know when to use your inhalers and how much to take
Act quickly in an asthma emergency

People with an asthma action plan are more likely to have better asthma control and fewer hospital visits [2].

What does an asthma action plan include?

Each plan is tailored to the person, but it usually covers:

Daily medication: What to take and when
Personal best peak flow reading: If using a peak flow meter
What to do if symptoms get worse: Step-by-step instructions
Emergency actions: What to do during a severe asthma attack
Contact details: For your GP, asthma nurse, and emergency services

Who should have an asthma action plan?

Everyone with asthma should have a written action plan, including children [3]. For younger children, the plan should also be shared with schools, carers, or family members.

How do you get an asthma action plan?

You can get a plan during an asthma review or appointment with your GP or asthma nurse. It should be reviewed and updated at least once a year or after any asthma attack.

How do you use an asthma action plan?

The plan uses a colour-coded system (similar to traffic lights):

Green: Asthma is well controlled – keep taking your regular medication
Amber: Symptoms are getting worse – follow the steps to prevent an attack
Red: Severe symptoms or asthma attack – follow emergency instructions and call 999 if needed

Where should you keep your asthma action plan?

Keep a copy of your plan somewhere easy to find, such as on the fridge, in your bag, or saved on your phone. Share it with family members, carers, teachers, and anyone who helps look after you.

Key Takeaways

An asthma action plan is a written guide that helps you manage asthma and know what to do if symptoms change.
It includes daily treatment, early warning signs, and emergency steps.
Everyone with asthma should have one, including children.
You get your plan from your GP or asthma nurse, and it should be updated regularly.
Following your plan can help prevent asthma attacks and keep you safe.

Reminder: If you don’t have an asthma action plan, ask your GP or asthma nurse for one. It’s a simple but powerful tool to help you stay in control of your asthma.

Sources

[1] Pegoraro F, Masini M, Giovannini M, Barni S, Mori F, du Toit G, Bartha I, Lombardi E. Asthma Action Plans: An International Review Focused on the Pediatric Population. Front Pediatr. 2022 Apr 26;10:874935. doi: 10.3389/fped.2022.874935. PMID: 35592848; PMCID: PMC9113391.

[2] Goronfolah L, Abulaban A, Barnawi AI, Jawi M, Alhadhrami W, Baatiah NY. The Effectiveness of Written Asthma Action Plan at the National Guard Health Affairs' Asthma Clinic. Cureus. 2019 Nov 27;11(11):e6247. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6247. PMID: 31890443; PMCID: PMC6935338.

[3] Your child’s asthma action plan - Asthma & Lung UK