Asthma Action Plans: What to Include and When to See Your GP

Asthma symptoms can change because of infections, allergies, exercise, smoke, weather changes or other triggers. An asthma action plan provides clear instructions about daily medicines, worsening symptoms and when to seek urgent help. 

At Metropol Doctors in Carindale, our GPs can help you or your child create, review and update an asthma management plan. 

What Is an Asthma Action Plan? 

An asthma action plan is a written guide prepared with your doctor. It explains what to do when asthma is controlled, when symptoms begin to worsen and during an asthma emergency. 

Keep your plan somewhere easy to access, such as: 

• At home. 
• At school or childcare. 
• At work. 
• In your handbag or wallet. 
• With a family member or carer. 

The National Asthma Council Australia provides different action-plan formats. The most suitable plan depends on the person’s age, medicines, asthma severity, language, health literacy and ability to follow the instructions.

What Should an Asthma Action Plan Include? 

Your asthma action plan should be personalised by your GP. It may include the following information.

Personal Details 

Include: 

• Your name and date of birth. 
• Emergency contact details. 
• Your doctor’s name and contact information. 
• The date the plan was prepared or reviewed. 

For children, include parent or carer details and provide copies to the school or childcare centre. 

Regular Asthma Medicines 

Your plan should list your regular medicines, including: 

• Medicine names. 
• Strength and dose. 
• Number of puffs or tablets. 
• How often to take them. 
• Whether a spacer is required. 
• Any relevant instructions. 

Do not stop or change prescribed asthma medicines without speaking with your GP.

Reliever Instructions 

The plan should explain which reliever to use and: 

• How many puffs or doses to take. 
• How to use the inhaler correctly. 
• Whether to use a spacer. 
• How often you can repeat the reliever. 
• When to contact your doctor. 

Needing your reliever more often than usual, or finding that relief does not last, may indicate that your asthma is not well controlled. 

Worsening Symptoms

Your plan should describe what asthma feels like when it is getting worse. Symptoms may include: 

• Coughing. 
• Wheezing. 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Chest tightness. 
• Difficulty exercising. 
• Waking during the night. 

It should explain whether to continue regular medicines, use your reliever, contact your GP or seek urgent medical care. 

Emergency Instructions 

The emergency section should explain when to call Triple Zero (000). Warning signs include: 

• Severe difficulty breathing. 
• Being unable to speak comfortably. 
• Gasping for air. 
• Blue lips. 
• Confusion or extreme exhaustion. 
• Rapidly worsening symptoms. 
• Little or no improvement after using the reliever. 
• Collapse or loss of consciousness. 

If someone is having a severe asthma attack, sit them upright, stay with them and call 000. Australian asthma first-aid guidance commonly recommends four separate puffs of a blue or grey reliever, one puff at a time through a spacer, with 4-6 breaths after each puff. Follow the person’s written action plan where available.

Common Asthma Triggers 

Asthma triggers vary between individuals. Common triggers include: 

• Colds and respiratory infections. 
• Allergies, including pollen and dust mites. 
• Mould. 
• Cigarette smoke and vaping. 
• Air pollution. 
• Strong perfumes and chemical fumes.
• Cold air or weather changes. 
• Exercise. 
• Stress. 
• Workplace dust or fumes. 

A symptom diary may help identify patterns and possible triggers. 

Asthma and Exercise 

Many people with asthma can exercise safely when their condition is well managed. Speak with your GP if exercise causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or unusual shortness of breath. 

Your doctor can review your diagnosis, inhaler technique, current medicines and exercise-related symptoms. Do not avoid physical activity without medical advice. 

Asthma Action Plans for Children 

Children may not always recognise or explain breathing difficulties. Parents and carers should understand the child’s usual symptoms, medicines and emergency instructions. 

Copies of the plan should be given to: 

• Parents and carers. 
• School or childcare staff. 
• Grandparents. 
• Sports coaches or activity supervisors. 

Make sure the child’s reliever, spacer and action plan are available at school, during excursions and while participating in sport. 

When Should You See Your GP? 

Book an appointment if: 

• You or your child has new breathing symptoms. 
• Asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent. 
• You need your reliever more often. 
• Symptoms wake you at night. 
• Exercise is becoming difficult.
• Your medicine is not working as well. 
• You recently visited the hospital for asthma. 
• You are unsure how to use your inhaler or spacer. 
• Your action plan is outdated. 
• You are concerned about a new medicine. 

You should also arrange a GP review after an asthma attack, even if symptoms improve.

Asthma Reviews at Metropol Doctors 

Your GP may review: 

• Symptoms and reliever use. 
• Night-time breathing problems. 
• Exercise tolerance. 
• Allergies and triggers. 
• Smoking, vaping and workplace exposures. 
• Inhaler and spacer technique. 
• Current medicines and side effects. 

Your doctor may recommend spirometry, a lung-function test, when clinically appropriate. Metropol Doctors provides spirometry as part of its medical services. 

Your action plan can then be prepared or updated according to your needs.