Mount Carmel Health Partners Clinical Guidelines Asthma | Page 4

Red-Yellow-Green Asthma Tool The Red-Yellow-Green Asthma Tool is a guide to assist patients or family members in managing their own asthma. It allows them to know when following up with their physician. The plan is based on “zones” of asthma that are defined by symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate. Green Zone means “Good” The green zone is associated with asthma that is under control.  Peak expiratory flow rate between 80% to 100% of the patient’s personal best measurement.  No symptoms  Able to perform usual daily activities  Continue taking medication as prescribed The goal is to be in the green zone every day. Yellow “Caution” Zone  Peak expiratory flow rate between 50% to 80% of the patient’s personal best measurement.  Patient may be asymptomatic or have mild to moderate symptoms that may prevent usual activities: - coughing - waking at night - wheezing, - chest tightness, -tachypnea/shortness of breath  Eliminate triggers  Stop strenuous exercise Rescue medicine should be used. Medications may need to be increased and warrant a discussion with medical care provider if patient is in the yellow zone most days. Red “Alert” Zone Peak expiratory flow rate less than 50% of the patient’s personal best measurement.  Very short of breath  Usual activities severely limited  Difficulty walking and talking due to shortness of breath  Respiratory effort increased. Accessory respiratory muscle use, retractions, tachypnea.  Acrocyanosis or central cyanosis Rescue medicine should be used. Call your physician right away. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary. Asthma - 4