Asthma Primary Health Care Plan
An asthma health care plan or asthma action plan is a written document containing all the information that an asthmatic patient needs to ensure that their asthma is in control. All people, including children and adults living with asthma, should, with the help of their doctor, fill and develop an asthma action plan. The primary purpose of the plan is to prevent and reduce asthma attacks and other symptoms that may increase visits to the emergency room.
Components of an asthma health care plan
Asthma varies from one person to another. As such, everyone needs a personalized asthma action plan tailored to their needs. For a proper and effective action, work closely with your health care provider to develop an action plan that works best for you. However, a typical asthma health care plan should cover the following details.
i. All medicines to be taken and when they should be taken
ii. What triggers the symptoms
iii. Symptoms of early and flu blown flare-ups and how to manage them
iv. When and how to seek emergency care
For asthmatic children using a peak flow meter, the action plan must include the “personal best” section that helps one compare and translate the readings on the meter.
According to the National Institute of Health, an effective asthma action plan should include three main zones. The green, yellow, and red zones, which are directly related to traffic light signals.
Green Zone
If your asthma is well controlled, you are in the green zone. This means that you can perform normal daily activities without experiencing symptoms more than three times a week. In the green zone, you can live quite a normal life by taking the medications as set out in the plan.
Yellow Zone
Being in the yellow zone means that your asthma is not fully controlled and may get worse at any moment. You are in the yellow zone when you cant perform physical activities without experiencing asthmatic symptoms, the symptoms begin to interfere with your sleep, you take your medications to relieve symptoms more than three times a week, and if you start missing school or work due frequent symptoms. If you are in the yellow zone, talk to your doctor so that you can revise and adjust the plan together.
Red Zone
Signs that you are in the yellow zone include experiencing excessive coughing and wheezing, difficult breathing, tightness in the chest, sweating, anxiety, reduced activity level, and if your symptoms fail to respond to the reliever medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms.
The three zones allow you to recognize the state of your asthma and take the necessary measures to ensure it remains controlled. When used well, an asthma health care plan can help asthmatic patients live a normal life and perform daily activities with ease.
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