What is an asthma action plan?
A written plan you complete with your doctor. It helps you and your carers recognise when asthma is getting worse and gives clear instructions on what to do – including when to take extra doses or extra medicines, and when to contact a doctor or go to the emergency department.
Symptoms or peak flow?
Plans can be based on symptoms, peak flow readings, or both, and are tailored to how your asthma behaves. Plans for children are usually symptom-based. Peak flow isn't used to diagnose asthma, and only a small proportion of people benefit from regular peak flow monitoring – usually alongside tracking symptoms and how often you use your reliever. Ask your doctor whether it's right for you.
Keep it with you
Your doctor gives you the completed plan to keep. The National Asthma Council suggests keeping copies at home, at work and in the car, and parents should give a copy of their child's plan to school, preschool or childcare.
Review it regularly
Your asthma can change over time, so review your plan with your doctor regularly.
How WellNest helps
Store the details of your written plan (medications and doses for when you're well, not well, and getting worse, peak flow ranges, danger signs and doctor contacts), log symptoms, peak flow and reliever puffs, and share an emergency plan with carers by private link. See the asthma tracker and the emergency action plan.
This guide is general information based on the sources below. It isn't medical advice – follow the plan and advice from your own doctor.
Sources
Chris built WellNest after years of managing his own chronic health conditions and juggling scattered notes between appointments.