The zone system is an easy way to check if your child's asthma is in good control, if your child needs to take medicine, or if you need to get help right away. The peak flow meter can be marked with three colored zones (green, yellow, and red). The zones are different for each person and are based on your child's personal best peak flow reading. Your child's personal best peak flow is determined by checking and recording the peak flow twice a day for 2 weeks while your child is healthy. Your healthcare provider will help you figure out the right number range for each zone. Many peak flow meters come with a sticker to mark the zones. An asthma action plan is a written plan developed by your healthcare provider to help you manage asthma and prevent your child’s asthma attacks. It is based on your child’s peak flow zone.
The colored zones on the peak flow meter are modeled after the traffic light.
Green zone: When the reading is in the green zone, it means your child's asthma is under control.
Your child should:
If your child has stayed in the green zone for at least 3 months, talk to your healthcare provider about possibly reducing your child's medicines.
Yellow Zone: If the reading is in the yellow zone, it means your child is probably having asthma symptoms or may soon be having symptoms (asthma attack). Your child may be having difficulty with normal activities or having symptoms at night.
Your child should:
You should:
If your child’s peak flow is often in the yellow zone, or stays in the yellow zone after treatment, it means his asthma is not under good control. Talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your child's medicine.
Red Zone: If the peak flow reading is in the red zone, it means your child's asthma is seriously out of control. He is probably having serious asthma symptoms such as extreme shortness of breath (even at rest), chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble talking.
Your child should:
You should:
