What is an Asthma Action Plan?

 

This is a written document created with your doctor. It outlines how to manage your asthma daily and how to respond during flare-ups or emergencies. This plan is tailored to your specific symptoms, triggers, and medications. It's essential to keep a copy with you and share it with those who care for you, such as family members, teachers, or caregivers. Regularly reviewing and updating your plan with your doctor ensures it remains effective as your asthma needs change.

 

Key Components of an Asthma Action Plan

 

A comprehensive asthma action plan should include:

 

  • Personal Information: Your name

  • Medication Details: Names, dosages, and schedules for preventer and reliever medications.

  • Symptom Monitoring: Guidelines on recognising early signs of worsening asthma, such as increased use of reliever medication or waking at night due to symptoms.

  • Peak Flow Measurements (if applicable): Personal best peak flow readings and corresponding actions based on readings.

  • Action Steps: Clear instructions on what to do in different situations:

    • Green Zone: Well-controlled asthma – continue regular medication.

    • Yellow Zone: Caution – increased symptoms, adjust medication as directed.

    • Orange Zone: Symptoms are severe; urgent medical attention required.

    • Red Zone: Emergency – seek urgent medical attention.

  • Emergency Contacts: Details of your doctor and emergency contacts.

This plan serves as a vital tool in managing your asthma effectively and should be reviewed regularly with your healthcare provider.

 

Why You Need an Asthma Action Plan

 

Benefits of Having a Plan

 

An asthma action plan offers many real advantages that can make daily life easier and safer:

 

  • Fewer missed days at work or school: When asthma flare-ups are recognised early and handled properly, you’re less likely to need time off.

  • Reduced reliance on reliever medication: You’ll often need less short-acting bronchodilator (reliever) use because the plan includes steps to correctly manage exacerbations.

  • Fewer hospital or emergency room visits: By catching worsening asthma early and taking action, people with asthma action plans are less likely to end up in hospital.

  • Better control of symptoms: Asthma action plans help you manage day-to-day asthma more smoothly — less wheezing, fewer night-time awakenings, less cough.

  • Improved lung function and quality of life: With good management, breathing tends to be easier, activity levels can increase, and overall wellbeing improves.

An asthma action plan gives clear instructions about what to do in different situations and when to see your doctor. In this way, it gives you confidence: you know exactly what to do rather than feeling unsure when symptoms worsen.

 

How to Get an Asthma Action Plan

 

Scheduling an Appointment with Your Doctor

 

To get an asthma action plan, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP. When scheduling, mention that you’d like to discuss asthma management so enough time is allocated. Before your visit, write down your questions, concerns, and details about your symptoms or triggers. This preparation will help your doctor tailor the plan to your needs.

 

Take action today: book an appointment with a GP at Myhealth with hundreds of locations across NSW, QLD, and VIC.

 

What to Expect During the Appointment

 

During the appointment, your GP will ask about your asthma history, triggers, and how often you experience symptoms. They may check your breathing with a peak flow test or spirometry to assess lung function. Your doctor will also review your current medications and how you use them. Based on this information, they’ll work with you to create a written asthma action plan that’s personalised to your needs. This ensures you leave with clear steps to follow in both everyday management and emergency situations.

 

Asthma Action Plan Templates

 

There are several asthma action plan templates available online that you can download and use with your doctor. Examples include:

 


These templates are useful starting points, but it’s important to complete them with your GP. In the future, Myhealth may also offer its own customised template to support patients directly.

 

 

Who Develops an Asthma Action Plan

 

An asthma action plan is usually developed with your local GP, but other healthcare professionals such as practice nurses, specialist asthma educators, or hospital doctors may also help. The key is collaboration: the plan is not written for you but with you. Together, you and your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, triggers, lifestyle, and preferences. This ensures the plan is practical, realistic, and tailored to your needs. Sharing the plan with your family, school, or workplace also helps everyone understand how to support you.

 

How to Use and Interpret an Asthma Action Plan

 

Your asthma action plan is a guide for daily life and for recognising when symptoms are worsening. A key component to the asthma action plan is the action steps which provide you with clear instructions based on your symptoms. While it ultimately depends on which template your GP uses, most of the commonly used plans have the colour-coded zones below:

 

  • Green Zone: Your asthma is well controlled. Keep taking your regular medication as prescribed.

  • Yellow Zone: Caution - increased symptoms. Warning signs, such as more frequent reliever use, night symptoms, or coughing/wheezing. Follow the adjustment steps outlined by your doctor.

  • Orange Zone: Symptoms are severe; urgent medical attention required.

  • Red Zone: Emergency – seek urgent medical attention.


Each section of the plan explains what medications to take, how much, and when to seek medical help. By checking your symptoms against the plan, you’ll know exactly what action to take to stay safe and in control.

 

How Often Should Your Asthma Action Plan Get Updated

 

Your asthma action plan should be reviewed and updated at least once a year with your GP. Updates may be needed sooner if your symptoms change, medications are adjusted, or you’ve had a recent asthma flare-up or hospital visit. Regular reviews ensure your plan reflects your current needs and remains effective. An outdated plan can put you at risk of delayed treatment or unnecessary hospital visits. Keeping your plan up to date means you’ll always know the right steps to take when symptoms arise.

 

Action Plans for Anaphylaxis, Allergic Reactions, and Eczema

 

Just like asthma, other conditions have their own action plans:

 

  • Anaphylaxis: Focuses on recognising severe allergic reactions and using adrenaline (e.g., EpiPen®) quickly..

  • Allergic Reactions: Provides steps for managing mild or moderate symptoms, such as hives or swelling.

  • Eczema: Outlines daily skin care routines, triggers to avoid, and what to do when flare-ups occur.

Each plan is designed to help patients respond quickly and appropriately to their condition.

 

Speak to a doctor about your Action Plan today

 

A written asthma action plan is one of the most effective tools to manage your asthma. It gives you clear guidance for everyday care, flare-ups, and emergencies. If you don’t already have a plan — or if yours hasn’t been updated in the last year, now is the time to act.

 

Book an appointment with a Myhealth GP today. With hundreds of locations across NSW, QLD, and VIC, Myhealth doctors are ready to help you create or update your personalised action plan.

 

Helpful Links:

Asthma
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