An asthma action plan can be vital for management of this
potentially life-threatening illness.  With an asthma action
plan in place, a patient is better able to take control of his
or her illness, mitigating symptoms and preventing attacks.  As
a result, an asthma action plan is a kind of insurance policy
for the asthmatic.

A written asthma action plan can assist a patient or caregiver to recognize the signs of worsening asthma. Therefore, the asthma action plan should include notations about the frequency or severity of symptoms, falling peak flows, or bronchodilator use.   The asthma action plan can be
individualized for each patient.

The reason for an asthma action plan is that, although a possible explanation for a case of worsening asthma may be apparent, symptoms tend to respond best to quick action.  Such action is more likely to take place if a written asthma action plan is on file.

If you do not already have an asthma action plan in place, you should ask your physician about writing one.  The doctor may use an asthma action plan that is already available, or may draw up one to suit your individual case.

The need for an asthma action plan is great, considering that approximately 15 million people in the U.S. have asthma, five million of them children.  An asthma action plan is also important because the condition causes two million emergency room visits, half a million hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths each year.

In addition to looking to your doctor for advice, you can also turn to the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, an organization that can help you in developing your asthma action plan.  With the aid of this group, you can learn to look for patterns in your illness--a crucial first step to writing an asthma action plan.

Ultimately, an asthma action plan can offer you peace of mind.  The asthma action plan sets out in writing what needs to be done in order to manage your asthma effectively.  Once you have your asthma action plan in place, you may notice that your health improves as a result. 

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