An asthma action plan helps patients to manage their asthma condition by providing written, step–by–step instructions for treating the condition. Developed by their physician, the plan gives individuals a guide to taking daily medicines, dealing with an asthma attack and properly responding in the event of a severe attack.

The plan also provides parents with a comprehensive guide they can easily give to others who may be supervising their asthmatic child (e.g., teachers, coaches, baby sitters).

Developing a plan is important to the long–term management of asthma. It improves quality of life and may prevent long–term damage from uncontrolled asthma, such as airway remodeling.  In general, the goals for asthmatics include the following (as outlined by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute):

• Minimal or no symptoms, including at night
• Minimal number of asthma attacks
• Normal or almost normal activities (i.e., no days lost at work or school)
• Minimal use of short–acting beta2 agonists
• No visits to an emergency room
• No (or few) limitations on physical activity
• Almost normal lung function

Though each plan varies depending on the condition of the individual, the plan generally consists of several pieces of important information arranged in three classifications:

• Green zone. Indicates a normal asthma condition.
  
  
• Yellow zone. Indicates an asthmatic reaction, or mild attack.
  
  
• Red zone. Indicates a serious asthma attack that requires immediate medical intervention.

Dividing the plan into three categories allows the information to be easily understood while providing a clear understanding of how serious a condition really is. Each colored category contains the following information:

• Peak flow range. This measurement of an individual’s lung function is obtained by regularly using a home peak flow meter. A patient's personal best peak flow reading should be noted on the asthma action plan. The further below an individual’s baseline (personal best) peak flow number is from their current number, the more serious the attack.
  
  
• Types of medications. Each category explains what types of medication are appropriate to use, and explains the proper dosage and usage of each drug.
  
  
• Symptoms. Each level of the plan explains the symptoms that would normally be experienced with that zone. For example, an individual having a yellow (moderate) reaction may experience tightness in the chest.

The asthma action plan also contains a list of triggers that may set off an asthma attack. This list, which varies from individual to individual, helps a person avoid any problem situations or conditions. In order to identify triggers, physicians may ask patients to record a diary. By analyzing the details leading up to an asthma attack, a physician is often able to recognize trends and identify triggers.

One of the most important things an asthma action plan provides is a clear outline of what to do in an emergency. By including emergency numbers and physician contact information, the plan can help a person save valuable minutes when a severe asthma attack occurs.

Along with noting when to take emergency medications, who to notify and when to call for an ambulance, the plan can keep individuals from panicking in the event of a strong attack and give others the correct information for how to help. A plan may also include instructions on the proper way to take medications.