[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Asthma T-Hero Section” module_class=”hero tert” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Asthma.jpg” background_position=”top_right” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” global_module=”2247″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_left” background_horizontal_offset=”0%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”2%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Nav Parent Title” module_class=”tert-parent” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Breadcrumbs” module_class=”bcrumb” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-size:16px;||color: #fff;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Main Content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2%||2%||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=” Intro Content” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Understanding what well-controlled or \u201chealthy\u201d asthma looks like makes it easier to recognize when your asthma needs more attention. Feeling \u201cokay\u201d is not the same as having your asthma under control. You do not have to let difficult-to-manage asthma define or limit your life. You can be in control of your asthma![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Intro” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When you have asthma<\/a>, it\u2019s important to know what is happening in your airways, common asthma symptoms, when to use your asthma medicines, or when to get emergency help.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”On this page” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n Controlling Asthma Prevents Medical Emergencies<\/a> How to Know If You Have Uncontrolled Asthma<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Controlling\/Preventing Asthma Keeps You Healthy” module_id=”control-asthma” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Asthma causes almost 1 million emergency room visits each year.1<\/sup> Asthma is a serious chronic (long-term) condition that can change over time. Asthma causes airway inflammation that makes it hard to breathe. An asthma episode or attack can happen at any time. Mild symptoms may only last a few minutes, while more severe asthma symptoms can last hours or days.2<\/sup> A severe asthma episode can cause death.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Asthma Action Plan” module_id=”asthma-action-plan” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you have asthma, work with your doctor to make an Asthma Action Plan. An Asthma Action Plan is a document that tells you how to manage your asthma according to your symptoms.3<\/sup><\/p>\n Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and steps to manage them. If you do not have an Asthma Action Plan, you can download and email\u00a0AAFA\u2019s Asthma Action Plan<\/a>\u00a0(available in\u00a0English<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Spanish<\/a>) to your doctor or print a copy for your doctor to fill out.<\/p>\n Take your asthma medicines as directed on your Asthma Action Plan and always take your quick-relief medicines at the first sign of symptoms.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”31010,16036,18954″ posts_number=”3″ orientation=”portrait” admin_label=” 3 Images: Action Plans” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” max_width=”75%” module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”150ms” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| max-width: none !important;|| width: 100% !important;||}||||selector .et_pb_gallery_items {|| display: flex !important;|| gap: 15px !important;|| justify-content: center !important;||}||||selector .et_pb_gallery_item {|| margin: 0px !important;||}||||@media screen and (max-width: 800px) {|| selector .et_pb_gallery_items {|| flex-direction: column !important;|| align-items: center !important;|| }|| || selector .et_pb_gallery_item {|| width: 75% !important;|| }||}” box_shadow_style_image=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Asthma Zones Concept” module_id=”asthma-zones” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Asthma symptoms are divided into asthma zones<\/strong>. These zones use the colors of a traffic light to help you know which zone you are in and when to use your asthma medicines or get emergency help.2<\/sup> The Asthma Action Plan is divided into three zones:\u200b<\/p>\n These zones are based on symptoms.2<\/sup> Your doctor will outline what medicines and steps to take for each zone. Some people also use a peak flow meter<\/a> (PFM) to assess their asthma. Peak flow ranges can be noted on the Asthma Action Plan.<\/p>\n If you are pregnant, knowing pregnancy-specific symptoms and your asthma zones can improve the health of you and your baby.<\/p>\n Talk with your doctor about what it means to have asthma under control and what else can be done to help you feel your best. If asthma gets in the way of your life or daily activities, ask for more help. Do not let your asthma control you. Ask for a referral to an asthma specialist to take a positive step toward better health and lifestyle.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Signs of Controlled Asthma\/Green Zone” module_id=”green-zone” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Green means Go Zone! <\/strong><\/span>You are in the Green\/Go Zone if you have all of these:<\/p>\n Action:<\/strong><\/span> Enjoy life to the fullest. Avoid your asthma triggers. Take your daily control or preventive medicines as directed (if prescribed).<\/p>\n If exercise is an asthma trigger, your Asthma Action Plan may have you take \u200bquick-relief medicine before you exercise to prevent asthma symptoms before you begin (sometimes referred to as \u201cpre-treatment\u201d). This will be listed on the Green\/Go Zone of the plan.<\/p>\n When you are in the Green\/Go Zone, your asthma is well-controlled.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Early Warning Signs of Asthma\/Yellow Zone” module_id=”early-warning-yellow-zone” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sometimes you may have early warning signs that an asthma episode is coming. You may have these signs before you start to have more obvious asthma symptoms. It is important that you are able to recognize early asthma warning signs and triggers. Identifying warning signs and taking steps to prevent asthma episodes can help keep asthma well-controlled. Early warning signs may be different for each person, but some common warning signs can include:<\/p>\n Your doctor can help you identify your early warning signs. When you have early warning signs, treat this as if you are in the Yellow\/Caution Zone.<\/p>\n Action:<\/strong><\/span> Take your quick-relief asthma medicines as soon as you start to have early warning signs. Remove or avoid what might be triggering your asthma. (For example, if someone is smoking near you, try to leave the room\/building if possible.)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Signs of Asthma\/Yellow Zone” module_id=”signs-yellow-zone” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Yellow means Caution Zone!<\/strong><\/span> You are in the Yellow\/Caution Zone when you have asthma signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms that your asthma is getting worse include:<\/p>\n Action:<\/strong><\/span> Take your asthma medicines as listed on your Asthma Action Plan at the first sign of symptoms when you are in the Yellow\/Caution Zone. This may be one quick-relief medicine (like albuterol), a quick-relief medicine and controller taken one right after each other, or a combination inhaler. Avoid or remove your asthma trigger. Monitor your symptoms until they improve.<\/p>\n If your quick-relief medicines don\u2019t help and your symptoms do not improve, call your doctor.<\/p>\n If you are in the Yellow\/Caution Zone two or more times per week, it is a sign your asthma is not controlled and you may need to contact your health care provider (doctor).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Danger Signs of Asthma\/Red Zone” module_id=”red-zone” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Red<\/strong>\u200b means Danger Zone!<\/strong><\/span> If you are in the Red\/Danger Zone, take your quick-relief medicines and repeat as directed.<\/strong>\u00a0If your breathing does not improve quickly, get emergency help. Severe asthma episodes can be life-threatening.<\/strong><\/p>\n Signs and symptoms of an asthma emergency that need urgent medical care:<\/p>\n If you are pregnant, the following are also signs and symptoms of an asthma emergency that need urgent medical care:<\/strong><\/p>\n Infants, toddlers, and children may have different asthma emergency signs and symptoms than adults.\u00a0Signs and symptoms of a severe asthma episode in infants, toddlers, and children:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information about emergency asthma signs and symptoms and how they differ between adults and children please visit https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/living-with-asthma\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Action:<\/strong><\/span> Red\/Danger Zone symptoms are a medical emergency. Take your quick-relief medicines right away as directed on your Asthma Action Plan and then get immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room.<\/p>\n Follow up with your doctor within two days of an emergency visit or hospital stay.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Signs of Uncontrolled Asthma” module_id=”uncontrolled-asthma” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It is important that you do not ignore or underestimate your asthma symptoms and their severity.<\/p>\n A good way to know if your asthma is not well-controlled is by answering these questions:<\/p>\n If you answer \u201cyes\u201d to any of these questions,<\/strong>\u200b talk with your doctor about your asthma control. <\/strong><\/p>\n If your asthma is not well-controlled, your daily activities may be limited. You may miss work or school. You may increase your chances of having additional health problems from a respiratory infection. And you may be at greater risk for going to the emergency department, staying in the hospital, or even dying from asthma.<\/p>\n Oral (or injectable) corticosteroids<\/a> can provide fast and affordable treatment for severe asthma episodes. Feeling better after taking these drugs does not mean your asthma is under control again. Overuse of oral or injectable corticosteroids has become normalized and is now a significant barrier to improving asthma care. These drugs can cause significant side effects and harm. There are safer, better treatments to manage asthma.2<\/sup><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Preparing for your doctor’s visit for asthma” module_id=”doctors-visit-asthma” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Keep track of your:<\/p>\n Share this information with your doctor at every visit. Review your asthma action plan with your doctor. If you are prescribed a new type of inhaler, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Misuse of inhalers is a common reason why asthma may not be under control.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Medical Review\/Editorial Review” module_class=”med-rev” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Medical Review<\/strong>: Med Communications, Inc. assisted with development and review of medical content. [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Asthma Action Plan<\/a>
Asthma Zones\/Categories<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Preparing for Your Doctor\u2019s Visit for Asthma<\/a><\/p>\nControlling and Preventing Asthma Keeps You Healthy<\/h3>\n
Asthma Action Plan<\/h3>\n
The Asthma Zones Concept<\/h3>\n
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Signs of Controlled Asthma: Green Zone<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Early Warning Signs of Asthma: Yellow Zone<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Signs of Asthma: Yellow Zone<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Danger Signs of Asthma: Red Zone<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Signs of Uncontrolled Asthma<\/h3>\n
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Preparing for Your Doctor\u2019s Visit for Asthma:<\/h3>\n
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\nEditorial review:<\/strong> Melanie Carver, AAFA Chief Mission Officer<\/small>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Accordion – References” module_id=”references” module_class=”accord pa-accordion” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” height=”24″ custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”.et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| font-size: 20px;|| position: absolute;|| color: #FFFFFF;|| font-family: ETmodules !important;|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| content: %22%924c%22 !important;|| right: 2% !important;|| display: inline-block !important;||}||.accord .et_pb_toggle_content {|| color: #008c99;|| font-size: 16px;|| font-weight: 500;||}” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”References” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n