Why request an Asthma Action Plan?
Medically Reviewed by Dr Ali Zavery
Last updated on 15.08.2024
What is an asthma action plan?
A key part of asthma management is the preparation of a written asthma action plan by the person with asthma and/or their carer, together with their doctor.
An asthma action plan is a document that helps the person with asthma and those who care for them, to recognise worsening asthma symptoms and to take the correct steps to safely manage them.
What information is contained in an asthma action plan?
- Factors that make your asthma worse (triggers).
- Medicines you take to treat your asthma, with the names of each medicine/inhaler
- Symptoms and/or peak flow measurements that indicate worsening asthma
- Which medicines/inhalers to take based on symptoms or peak flow measurements
- Symptoms that indicate a need for emergency medical attention
- How to manage severe asthma and when to call an ambulance
- Contact details for emergency contacts and healthcare provider(s)
Why are asthma action plans important?
Asthma action plans can improve asthma control, which in turn reduces absence from school (or workplace in adults), as well as reducing visits to the doctor and hospital admissions. Action plans also help to reduce the need to use “reliever” medications/inhalers, and in the long run they can also improve lung function.
How do I know if my asthma is properly controlled?
There are some key signs that asthma is not controlled properly- it is important to know what these signs are, so that treatment can be adjusted according to the action plan. If unsure, it is best to see your local doctor for advice, as poor control can cause long term harm to the lungs.
Signs of poor asthma control include:
- Frequent asthma-related breathing difficulties, cough and/or wheeze on most days
- Any asthma symptoms at night- if you are having disturbed sleep due to asthma cough, shortness of breath or wheeze, it suggests poor control.
- Missing work, school or other activities because of asthma
- Using reliever inhaler(e.g. blue puffer or “Ventolin”) more than twice a week
Or to put it another way, good asthma control means:
- No asthma symptoms at night
- No asthma symptoms first thing in the morning
- No asthma attacks or asthma flare ups.
- Not frequently needing to use a reliever inhaler
- No restrictions to daily activities, work or school attendance
How often should an asthma action plan be updated?
Usually schools and childcare providers will request an updated action plan once a year. However, if a child’s asthma has not been well-controlled or if there have been changes in medications/inhalers, there may be a need to update a plan more frequently.
Where can I get an asthma action plan?
In Australia, you can request an asthma action plan from your local GP or paediatrician, as well as from online telehealth services such as Qoctor.
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