Written asthma action plans are one of the most effective asthma interventions available.

An integral part of asthma management is the development of a written asthma action plan by the person with asthma and/or their care taker together with their doctor.

An asthma action plan helps the person with asthma and/or their care taker recognize worsening asthma and gives clear instructions on what to do in response.

The process of developing a written asthma action plan is important, as this should be a discussion of the person’s individual asthma and its management. The written plan is a reminder of that discussion.

Written asthma action plans are one of the most effective asthma interventions available. Use of a written asthma action plan:

• reduces absences from work or school
• reduces hospital admissions
• reduces emergency visits to general practice
• reduces reliever medication use
• improves lung function.

Doctors should consider developing a written asthma action plan when discussing asthma management with all people with asthma and/or their care takers.

How does a written asthma action plan work?

The aim of an asthma action plan is to help the person with asthma and/or their care takers take early action to prevent or reduce the severity of an asthma attack.

The asthma action plan may be based on symptoms and/or peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements and is individualized according to the pattern of the person’s asthma. In children, symptom-based plans are preferred.

Once completed, the asthma action plan is given to the person with asthma and/or their care taker to keep. Parents should give a copy of their child’s asthma action plan to the school, pre-school and/or childcare facility.

Regular review of the asthma action plan is important as a person’s level of asthma severity or control may change over time.

Dr.Mohit Garg,
Specialist Pulmonologist,
Thumbay Hospital Daycare, Rolla

For appointments contact us through

Phone: +971 6 5440555
Email: thdaycare.shj@thumbayhospital.ae
Online: www.appointments.thumbay.net
Location: Thumbay Hospital Daycare, Sharjah (Rolla), Opposite to Rolla Mall, Sharjah United Arab Emirates