Who should have Asthma Action Plan?

Everyone with asthma should have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan, especially children and teens.

An Asthma Action Plan is more than just a form – it’s an important educational tool that helps people with asthma understand and manage their asthma, all while enjoying life. It also helps a child’s teachers, coaches, school nurses, day-care staff, babysitters, and other caregivers look out for and care for a child with asthma.
 

What is in an Asthma Action Plan?

The Vermont Asthma Action Plan is  a medical form that helps you or your caregivers:

  • Understand what type of asthma you have or your child has

  • Look out for common triggers that can make asthma worse or cause asthma attacks

  • Remember day-to-day instructions on how to manage asthma, and what to do if asthma worsens or if you’re having an asthma attack

  • Know what medicines to take and when to take them

  • Know when to call the doctor, or in serious cases, go to the emergency room
     

How to use an Asthma Action Plan:

The Asthma Action Plan is filled out by a health care provider and the patient (or caregiver of a child/teen) with asthma.

1. Make an appointment with your provider to fill out an Asthma Action Plan

You’ll need to make an appointment to fill out this form with your primary care provider. If you are a parent or caregiver, make an appointment to create or update this plan with your child’s provider at the start of every school year.

When making the appointment, ask the provider office if you should bring a copy of this form – some doctors keep them on hand, others do not. If needed, download and print out the Vermont Asthma Action Plan and bring it to the appointment.  

Think about and write down any questions or concerns you have before the appointment. During the appointment, ask the provider to talk through his/her instructions or notes on the plan. If you’re a parent/caregiver of a child with asthma, discuss and decide whether your child is able to carry and take their medications, or if it should be administered by a teacher or nurse. You’ll also need to give permission to any individuals who may speak with the provider or assist your child in taking their asthma medications.

2. Share the Asthma Action Plan with all nurses, teachers, and caregivers

After completing the Asthma Action Plan, make copies and – if possible – scan the document and share it with anyone who cares for your child. An Asthma Action Plan should go everywhere the person with asthma goes. Save a copy and keep it electronically on your phone or computer for easy reference or forwarding. Keep a printed copy at home, in the car, and at work. Email and share a printed copy with your child’s school nurse, teachers, and other staff or professionals who cares for your child. Offer to discuss the plan so they'll be comfortable following it.

3. Make sure your child understands the Asthma Action Plan

If you are the parent or caregiver of a child with asthma, review this plan with your child. If they are old enough, they should know which steps and medications to take themselves and when they should get help from an adult like a nurse or teacher.

4. Review and update the Asthma Action Plan often

Whenever medication types or dosages change, review and revise the plan with your provider – we recommend at least every 6 months, or more often if symptoms become worse or more often than they used to. Any time the action plan is changed, give new copies to anyone who has one.

Request Asthma Action Plans and Other Materials for your Practice by Contacting Your Local District Health Office

Review the Asthma Action Plan Provider Directions