Helping your child with asthma: Build an asthma action plan

Caring for your child with asthma can be tricky. The way your child’s asthma acts can sometimes catch you off guard. The best way to be ready is to create an asthma action plan. Get started today by downloading and completing our digital asthma action plan. Remember to bring the plan to your child’s next appointment. 

What is an asthma action plan?

1. A piece of paper or digital form that keeps all the most important information about your child’s asthma in one place.

2. A playbook for you as a parent and for anyone caring for your child. Share your child’s action plan with their caregivers, including school, camps, and daycare. This way, they will know what to do for your child’s asthma symptoms.

3. A way to talk with your child about their asthma. Making a plan with your child can help them understand their responsibility to check in on their health.

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Why is it important to have an asthma action plan?‍

Your child's asthma might seem overwhelming, but it's easier with an asthma action plan. This plan helps keep your child’s asthma in check. Let's break down why it's so important:

‍1. It helps you stay informed and ready: Asthma can be like a roller coaster – you never know when it'll take a twist or turn. But with an action plan, you're always ready. It explains exactly what to do if your child starts coughing or wheezing, so no one needs to guess.

2. Made just for your little one: Just like every child is unique, so is their asthma. Your child's asthma action plan is made to fit their needs. It has what works best for them, so they can get the right care at the right time.

3. Quick help in emergencies: If your child has an asthma attack, their plan has all the steps listed clearly. This way, anyone can act quickly to help your child. It's like having a superhero that steps in to save the day.

4. Teamwork with your child’s provider: When you bring your child’s action plan to each visit with their provider, it can help you talk to them. It helps your child’s doctor understand how well treatments are working and if anything needs to change.

“Just set a routine and just follow it day by day. It might get hard at times, but just keep going and it'll get better.” - A tip for childhood asthma from a Scene member Sha’Juan.

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What are the three parts of an asthma action plan?

1. Medicine list: a record of all the medicines your child uses to control their asthma symptoms and rescue when an attack comes.

2. Symptoms checker: a checklist to mark how bad your child’s asthma is and what to do when symptoms are low, getting worse, and when to call a doctor.

3. Emergency plan: steps to take to get emergency help.

Asthma action plans do more than just keep important information together for caregivers. When you make an asthma action plan with your child, they can talk about how they feel and understand what to do in an asthma emergency. 

As your child’s caregiver, you are learning to take the best care of them plus you are teaching your child that it matters to pay attention to their symptoms. Being ready with an asthma action plan will give both you and your child a sense of control and safety even during the scariest times.

Did you know? Your child’s asthma action plan should change as their asthma changes. Bring their plan to every appointment and review it with their provider. This review will ensure that their asthma treatment and control are as up-to-date as possible.
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Need more help?

Do you need more support with creating and following an asthma action plan with your child? Our care team is here to help. Have you downloaded the app? Send us a message through the Spotlight app for iOS or Spotlight app for Android. If not, call us at (410) 348-1905 or send us an email.

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The content on this site is not and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider(s) for diagnosis and treatment, including information regarding which drugs, therapy, or other treatment may be appropriate for you. Learn more here.

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