Green Zone: Doing Well
No cough, wheeze, chest tightness, or shortness of breath; normal activity and sleep. Follow daily controller instructions.
Be Prepared
Your asthma action plan can save time when every breath counts.
A written asthma action plan is made with a healthcare professional. It explains everyday care, signs that asthma is worsening, what medicines to take, and when to get urgent help.
The Three Zones
Yellow Zone: Caution
Symptoms are starting, activity is harder, or reliever medicine is needed more than usual. Follow the written plan and contact the care team as directed.
Red Zone: Medical Alert
Severe symptoms, reliever not helping, trouble speaking or walking, or other emergency signs. Follow emergency instructions and seek immediate help.
Call 911 for severe breathing trouble. Emergency warning signs can include struggling to breathe, inability to speak in full sentences, blue/gray lips or face, confusion, faintness, or symptoms that do not improve after prescribed rescue treatment.
Your Plan Should Include
- Your personal symptoms and triggers.
- Daily controller medicines, doses, and timing.
- Quick-relief medicine instructions.
- Peak-flow zones, when prescribed.
- When to call the healthcare professional or go to the emergency room.
- Emergency contacts, pharmacy, school/work contacts, and allergies.
- Instructions for family members, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and employers.
Preparedness Checklist
Medicines & Equipment
Check expiration dates; keep prescribed medicines accessible; know correct inhaler, spacer, nebulizer, or peak-flow technique.
Copies Everywhere Needed
Keep updated copies at home, school, childcare, work, and with trusted caregivers.
Emergency Supply
CDC recommends maintaining medications and supplies during emergencies and following the treatment plan exactly.
Practice the Plan
Make sure helpers know where medicines are, how to recognize danger signs, and who to call.
NHLBI Asthma Treatment and Action Plan
Official information and a sample action plan.CDC Emergency Preparedness for Asthma
Steps for managing asthma during and after emergencies.
Official information and a sample action plan.CDC Emergency Preparedness for Asthma
Steps for managing asthma during and after emergencies.
This page provides general education and does not replace a personalized plan from a licensed healthcare professional.