For Kids: Asthma Action Plan 

If you have asthma, you know how it feels to have a flare-up. It’s hard to breathe. Your chest may feel tight. You may feel tired and not want to play. How you feel tells you what asthma zone you’re in. You need to know how to tell if you are in the green, yellow, or red zone. And you need to know what to do for each zone. This sheet can help you.

Fill in the blanks! Use words from the list below.

  • When I’m in my green zone, I feel _______. I still have to use my_______ inhaler. I also have to watch out for _________. 
  • When I’m in my yellow zone, I’m starting to have a __________. I might wheeze or have other __________. Then I have to use my __________ inhaler. 
  • When I’m in my red zone, my breathing is very ___________. I need to get ___________ right away.

Word list: 

triggers  healthy  symptoms  hard

help  controller  quick-relief  flare-up

Green zone: Safe

Boy in a green shirt throwing a ball.

When your breathing is OK, you’re in the green zone. You feel good. Asthma doesn’t get in your way. Keep using your controller inhaler. And watch for things that can make your asthma worse. These are called triggers. .

Yellow zone: Warning

Boy in a yellow shirt holding a ball and coughing.

You’re starting to have a flare-up. Ask an adult for help. Use your quick-relief inhaler. Yellow zone symptoms may be:

  • Coughing

  • Wheezing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest tightness

  • Faster breathing

  • Getting tired with activity or exercise

  • Waking up with coughing or trouble breathing

Red zone: Danger

Boy in a red shirt having trouble breathing.

You’re having a flare-up! Tell your parents or another adult right away. Use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical care right away.

Red zone symptoms may be:

  • Constant coughing or wheezing

  • Symptoms that keep you from sleeping

  • Trouble breathing when you are resting

  • Breathing very hard or fast