Asthma Action Plans

doctor with patient

Everyone with asthma needs their own Asthma Action Plan. Work with your health care provider to create a plan that works for you. Your goal is to prevent and control your asthma attacks.

Create your own plan using CDC’s Asthma Action Plan [PDF – 569 KB] tool.

Doing Well
  • I don’t have cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing at any time.
  • I can do all the things I usually do.
  • When I use a peak flow meter my peak flow* is more than 80 percent or more of my best peak flow.
  • Continue taking your long-term control medicine.

Asthma Is Getting Worse

  • I have some cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. Or
  • I wake up at night because of my asthma. Or
  • I can’t do some of the things I usually do. Or
  • When I use a peak flow meter my peak flow* is half to three quarters of my best peak flow.
  • Add your quick-relief medicine and continue your long-term control medicine.
  • If your symptoms get better after an hour keep checking them and continue your long-term control medicine.

Medical Alert!

  • I have a lot of trouble breathing. Or
  • My quick-relief medicines don’t help. Or
  • I can’t do any of the things I usually do. Or
  • I was in the yellow zone for 24 hours and I’m not getting better. Or
  • When I use a peak flow meter my peak flow* is less than half of my best peak flow.
  • Add the other medicines your doctor has prescribed and call your doctor.
  • If your symptoms don’t get better and you can’t reach your doctor, go to the hospital.

*Peak flow measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs.