Having a plan makes almost anything easier, even
asthma
. An asthma action plan is a set of instructions your doctor will
write down for you and your family. It will tell you how to prevent
asthma
flare-ups
and deal with flare-ups when they happen. Your doctor might give
you a plan, or you can print out a sample plan and ask him or her
to complete it with you.
An asthma action plan helps you keep your asthma under control.
And when your asthma is controlled, breathing problems won't
keep you from playing sports, having fun, and doing whatever you
want to do. Following your plan can also mean fewer trips to your
doctor or to the emergency department.
What's in the Plan?
A key part of the plan will tell you exactly what to do if you
have a flare-up. It will say which medicine to take and how much of
it to take. It also will say when someone needs to call the doctor
or take you to the emergency department.
You may need your mom, dad, or another adult to help you put the
plan into action. Talk with your parents about which parts of the
plan you are going to handle by yourself and when you need to ask
for help.
A typical asthma action plan also would cover:
- how to avoid the things that make you have flare-ups (also
called
triggers
)
- how to catch flare-ups early and treat them
Because each kid's asthma is different, each kid's plan
is different. Here's some other stuff that might also be in
your plan:
- steps you should take before exercising
- how to use your
peak flow meter
- the names of your medicines and how to take them
- your doctor's phone number and other important
numbers
Understand Your Plan
Talk with your doctor about your plan and ask questions if
something doesn't make sense. Some instructions in the plan
will apply every day, not just when you're having breathing
problems. For example, you'll want to stay away from stuff that
makes your asthma worse and take
controller medicine
regularly, if your doctor has prescribed it for you.
Your mom or dad may give a copy of the action plan to your
school nurse, your teacher, and anyone else who takes care of you.
You should probably keep a copy of it with you, too. Following this
plan will help keep you in action!
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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