• Reviewed on 4/12
    By Dr. Tinkelman

Asthma: Lifestyle Management


General Tools - Peak Flow Zone Chart

The following table shows an example of how these zones work. Your doctor can help you create a similar table for your own asthma.

Peak Zone Stoplight GreenGreen: 80-100% of your personal best

  • Your breathing is good.
  • You do not have any early warning signs or asthma symptoms.
    • Take all your medicines every day, as your doctor tells you.
  • Take your inhaler before exercise, as your doctor tells you.

Peak Zone Stoplight YellowYellow: Caution 60-80% of your personal best

  • Runny, stuffy nose.
  • Feel more tired.
  • Chin or throat itches.
  • Sneezing.
  • Restless
  • Red or pale face
  • Coughing
  • Dark circles under your eyes
  • Use "rescue" medicine
  • Recheck peak flows after 20-30 minutes
  • Call your doctor, healthcare professional, or nurse care manager:
    • if your peak flow is not back to the Green Zone
    • if your peak flow drops into the Yellow Zone again in less that 4 hours.

Peak Zone Stoplight RedRed: Danger Below 60% of your personal best

  • Cough, more at night
  • Wheezing
  • Chest feels tight or hurts
  • Breathing faster than normal
  • Get out of breath easily
  • Use your quick-relief medicine by inhaler or nebulizer right away!
  • Call your doctor or 911 NOW

 

NEXT: Asthma Lung Profiler

BACK: Peak Flow Meter

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Asthma Programs

At National Jewish Health, we offer a range of treatment programs to meet the specific needs of patients with mild to severe asthma.  

Learn more.