Personal Asthma Action Plan: The Traffic Light Method

8 hours ago

2 min read

An asthma action plan is a written guide that you create with your doctor and that answers the question, "What should I do right now?" It has long been known that people who use written action plans experience fewer attacks, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.

Why should the plan be written down?

When symptoms worsen, it becomes difficult to think clearly. A plan written down on paper or on a phone makes decision-making easier. Your family, teachers, or coach can also help by looking at the same plan.

Three zones: green, yellow, red

Most action plans are designed using traffic light logic. Zones are determined based on signs and, where applicable, peak flow values.

Area	What does it mean?	What is generally done?
Green	Symptoms are absent or minimal; sleep and daily activities are normal. Peak current is typically above 80% of personal best.	Preventive medication is continued as usual.
Yellow	Coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness are increasing; there is a more frequent need for relievers; and nighttime awakenings have begun. Peak flow is usually between 50% and 80%.	Use the sedative as directed in the plan, and temporarily increase the intensity of the treatment. If there is no improvement within a few days, consult a doctor.
Red	Severe shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, ineffectiveness of sedatives. Peak current is usually below 50%.	It is used according to the calming plan and 112 is called immediately.

Percentage limits may vary from person to person. The values in your plan are those determined by your doctor.

What should a good action plan include?

The name, dosage, and timing of your protective and sedative medications.
Your personal best peak current value (if you use it)
Symptoms of each area and what to do in that area.
How and for how long the treatment will be increased
When to see a doctor, when to go to the emergency room
Your known triggers
Contact information for your doctor and a close relative.

How should the plan be used?

Keep one copy on your phone and one copy in your bag.
Give a copy to your school, workplace, or sports club.
Read the plan with your family and discuss what you will do in the yellow zone.
Review the plan at each doctor's appointment. If your medication has changed, the plan should also be updated.

Action plan for children

For children, a treatment plan is prepared for parents, teachers, and the school nurse. Depending on the child's age, the plan can also include how they can describe their symptoms in their own words. Phrases like "my chest hurts" or "my stomach hurts" might be a way for some children to describe shortness of breath.

If you don't have a plan

Ask for a written action plan at your next doctor's visit. This request is perfectly reasonable and a standard part of asthma care.

This text is for informational purposes only. Only your doctor can determine the medications and dosages in your treatment plan.