MANAGING EXACERBATIONS (FLARE-UPS) OF ASTHMA
EARLY TREATMENT OF ASTHMA EXACERBATIONS
IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR MANAGEMENT.
Important components of early treatment include:
- A written ASTHMA ACTION PLAN to guide self-management of flare-ups at home.
- Recognition of early signs of an exacerbation, including worsening peak flow readings.
- Appropriate use of medications.
- Avoid and control asthma triggers. Remove triggers from your environment. Remove yourself from environments that are not free of triggers.
- Immediate communication between you and your doctor about worsening symptoms, decreasing peak flow reading, decreased improvement after taking quick relief/rescue medication.
HOME TREATMENT
ASSESS SEVERITY
Measure peak flow level. If < 50% of personal best this suggests severe flare-up
Note the severity of your symptoms - cough, breathlessness, wheeze, and chest tightness.
INITIAL TREATMENT
Take Quick-relief/Rescue medication as prescribed.
|
Good Response
Mild Exacerbation
|
Incomplete Response
Moderate Exacerbation
|
Poor Response
Severe Exacerbation
|
|
Green Zone peak flow
level 80-100%
No wheezing or shortness of breath
Response to Quickrelief/
Rescue medication lasts for at least 4 hours
|
Yellow Zone peak flow
level 50-80%
Continue with wheezing
and shortness of breath
Continue to take Quickrelief/Rescue medication per your doctors instructions
|
Red Zone peak flow level <50% or personal best
Severe wheezing and
shortness of breath
Repeat Quick relief/
Rescue medication
Immediately
If distress is severe and
not improving, call your
doctor and proceed to
emergency department;
consider calling ambulance
or 911
|
NEXT STEPS
|
Call your doctor for
follow-up instructions
|
Call your doctor urgently (this day) for instructions
|
Go to the nearest
emergency department
|
