For children (and adults) with asthma, every day can bring new challenges. Factors such as the weather, activity levels, allergies, illness and air quality both indoor and out, can affect asthma symptoms and lead to a great day or a very bad day.

Dr. Ahmad Chatila here at Alzein Pediatrics says, “Asthma accounts for nearly 1 million emergency room visits each year and affects 6% of all children and nearly 9% of adults. To complicate matters, those asthma cases have different triggers and require different kinds of treatment.”

To address all that variability, Dr. Chatila, who is double board certified in Pediatrics and in Pediatric Pulmonology, and also holds certification in Pediatric Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy, recommends creating an Asthma Action Plan (AAP) that helps children, their parents and their caregivers manage asthma, treat persistent symptoms, and minimize medical visits.

A standard AAP breaks down asthma symptoms into three zones:

• Green (Doing Well)
• Yellow (Caution)
• Red (Get Help)

Each patient’s unique AAP plan then lists a series of if/then statements that direct children and parents about timing and dosage of asthma control medication and guidance on physical activity.

For example, if your child is “doing well” in the Green zone, then they should have no symptoms. Some AAPs will rely on the more precise measurement of a Peak Flow Meter reading. A Peak Flow Meter is a device that measures lung capacity and strength and it’s recommended your child have access to a Meter whenever possible – at home, at school, at any daycare, grandparents and any caregivers. Peak Flow Meters can be purchased at your local drugstore or online.

Your child’s AAP will indicate your child’s best Peak Flow score. If their current score is 80% or more of the best score, they can continue to follow the green section of the AAP.

When your child is having symptoms that cause breathing challenges or disrupt school, play or sleep, or if their current Peak Flow score is between 50% and 79% of their best score, your child is in the Yellow or “Caution” level of their AAP. It’s time to take steps to treat these symptoms. Yellow Zone of your AAP will list both control medications and quick-relief treatments, as well as how and when to administer them.

If symptoms improve within the hour, your child returns to the Green Zone. If symptoms worsen or stay in the Yellow Zone for 24 hours, proceed to the Red Zone in your child’s AAP.

The Red Zone is marked by severe symptoms and/or a Peak Flow score below 50% of your child’s best score. The Red Zone in your child’s AAP will includes directions for immediate quick-relief medications and emergency contact information.

Research confirms that AAPs improve patients’ and caregivers’ ability to manage asthma. An AAP decreases school disruptions due to asthma symptoms. The If/Then mode of operations distill the guidance of Dr. Chatila and your child’s Alzein Pediatrics health team into a clear recommendation in that moment. In addition to Dr. Chatila, your child’s AAP may include the recommendations of immunologists and allergists. Those recommendations are readily available not just to your child and you, but to any caregiver who may need to intervene when a Red Level is reached. The American Lung Association offers an AAP form for school-aged children that helps teachers and school nurses assist in asthma management.

AAPs have a demonstrated track record of improving quality of life. For pediatric asthma patients, an AAP helps children, their parents and their caregivers understand, interpret, and decode their symptoms and intervene. With an AAP, your child can maximize their time in the Green Zone!

If you have questions about Asthma Action Plans, make an appointment with Dr. Chatila, or send a message through your patient portal. Alzein Pediatrics is here to help your child stay healthy and symptom-free!