Asthma Diary

An asthma diary helps you keep track of how well you are managing your asthma. If you have symptoms or an asthma attack, record the trigger (if possible), the symptoms, and what kind of medicine you used for relief and how well it worked. Also note if you had to contact your doctor or seek emergency care. This can help…

Asthma Diary

Topic Overview

An asthma diary helps you keep track of how well you are managing your asthma.

If you have symptoms or an asthma attack, record the trigger (if possible), the symptoms, and what kind of medicine you used for relief and how well it worked. Also note if you had to contact your doctor or seek emergency care. This can help you know your triggers and help your doctor monitor your treatment.

If your doctor recommends it, measure your peak expiratory flow (PEF) often, every morning and evening if possible, and record it in your diary. It may be helpful to record your PEF using the same green, yellow, and red zone system used in your asthma action plan.

Here is an example of how to use an asthma diary if you are keeping track of peak flow.

Week of October 12

My personal best peak flow is 400 liters per second. My:

  • Green zone is 320 to 400 liters per second (80% to 100% of my personal best). To figure 80% of your personal best peak flow, multiply your best flow (in this example, 400) by 0.80 (in this example, you get 320).
  • Yellow zone is 200 to 319 liters per second (50% to less than 80% of my personal best). To figure 50% of your personal best peak flow, multiply your best flow (in this example, 400) by 0.50 (in this example, you get 200).
  • Red zone is less than 200 liters per second (less than 50% of my best).

My current long-term (controller) medicine is fluticasone.

Example of an asthma diary

Date

AM/PM PEF

Trigger

Symptoms

Quick-relief medicine and response

Red zone visit to doctor/hospital?

Green

Yellow

Red

Monday

3:50 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

Albuterol

Improved PEF

No

Tuesday

190

Swimming

Wheezing

Albuterol

Eliminated wheezing

No

Click here for a blank asthma diary template( What is a PDF document? ).

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.

Credits

Current as ofJune 9, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Rohit K Katial MD – Allergy and Immunology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.