When your child has asthma, an asthma action plan can help you respond quickly to symptoms and prevent emergency department visits and hospitalizations. “An asthma action plan … outlines which medications to take, how to recognize early signs of a flare-up, and when to seek medical help. Having this plan helps prevent emergencies, reduce missed school days, and keep your child active and healthy,” says Fariba Rezaee, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s in Ohio.
Asthma action plans are divided into three color-coded zones — green, yellow, and red — to help you know exactly what steps to take when symptoms appear, says Dr. Rezaee. A detailed plan empowers parents, caregivers, and even older siblings to take action when needed.
“Effective asthma management is a partnership with families, school nurses, pediatricians and specialists. Each child’s asthma is unique and requires an individualized medical approach,” says Richard Wong, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Phoenix Children’s in Arizona. Open communication, following action plan steps consistently, early identification of worsening asthma control, and regular follow-ups are key to helping children with asthma experience minimal disruptions, says Dr. Wong.
Asthma attacks can be deadly, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist in New York City and member of the Allergy & Asthma Network’s Medical Advisory Council. “[But] by knowing what to do in a situation, you can stop an asthma flare up from getting worse,” says Dr. Parikh.
In the United States, asthma attacks peak in September, especially in the third week, sometimes called “Asthma Peak Week.” But having a current asthma action plan for children can help them stay safe, active, and breathing well. Below, learn how an asthma action plan works, how often to update it, and when to get urgent help.
