Tracking Your Asthma Symptoms
Day-to-day changes in asthma symptoms can be unpredictable. Keeping track of the frequency and severity of your symptoms can help you and your doctor identify patterns and learn how to better control your asthma.
Keeping an Asthma Journal
A daily asthma journal can help you monitor asthma symptoms, measure lung function, keep track of medications, and identify triggers.
Record asthma symptoms and the results of your lung function test
Compare lung function readings against your asthma zones
Keep track of the medicines you use for sudden asthma attacks and how often you use them
Asthma Zones
One of the best ways to monitor your symptoms is with an asthma action plan—an individualized, step-by-step document you create with your doctor that will help you understand how to best treat your asthma symptoms before they get worse. Depending on your current symptoms, your asthma will fit into one of three zones:
Green Zone
Your symptoms are mild or virtually nonexistent. This is where you should be on a daily basis. Continue to take your long-term-control medicine as prescribed.
Yellow Zone
You may have worsening asthma symptoms or having to use your quick-relief medicine more often. You should be aware of your surroundings, take all medicines as directed, and tell your doctor about your symptoms.
Red Zone
This may be an emergency situation where symptoms are significant. You should seek medical help right away.
How to Get Started
- 01
- Print a copy of the Asthma Journal or download the Aspire app from Asthma.com.
- 02
- Print out an Asthma Action plan and fill it out together with your doctor. This will give you instructions on how to keep your asthma from getting worse.
- 03
- Measure lung function first thing every morning (before taking daily asthma medications) and continue throughout the day as recommended by your doctor. Record the readings in your journal.
- 04
- If you’ve used a short-acting rescue inhaler in the past 24 hours, record the number of puffs taken.
- 05
- Fill out your journal every day to get a complete picture of your asthma symptoms.
- 06
- Bring your journal to each doctor visit so they can assess how well your asthma treatment plan is working.
Track Your Asthma Journey
Download our free mobile app, Aspire by Asthma.com, to create a digital and easily accessible version of your Asthma Action Plan.
