Pediatric Asthma Zone Tracker

Check all the symptoms your child is currently experiencing to determine their current asthma zone.

Struggling to breathe / Ribs sucking in

Difficulty speaking or walking due to shortness of breath

Coughing or wheezing at night

Tightness in the chest

Shortness of breath during play

No coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness

⚠️ IF YOUR CHILD HAS BLUE LIPS, IS UNRESPONSIVE, OR CANNOT SPEAK, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Managing childhood asthma can feel overwhelming, but using an Asthma Action Plan structured by the standard Traffic Light Zone System gives parents, caregivers, and teachers clear, immediate guidance on what to do.

Emergency Warning

IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY: If your child has blue or gray lips/nails, is struggling to breathe, has skin sucking in around the ribs or neck (retractions), cannot speak in full sentences, or does not respond to quick-relief medication, call 911 immediately.

How the Asthma Zones Work

The Pediatric Asthma Action Plan divides symptoms and peak flow numbers into three color-coded zones:

Zone	Status	What It Means	Recommended Action
Green Zone	Doing Well	Breathing is easy, no cough or wheeze, sleeping through the night, normal play. Peak flow: 80% to 100% of personal best.	Continue daily controller medications as prescribed. Avoid known environmental triggers.
Yellow Zone	Caution / Flare-Up	Mild cough, light wheezing, chest tightness, waking at night, or symptoms during activity. Peak flow: 50% to 79% of personal best.	Start quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol) per doctor’s instructions. Monitor closely. If staying in yellow for 24+ hours, call your pediatrician.
Red Zone	Medical Alert / Danger	Severe shortness of breath, quick-relief meds not helping, ribs showing during breathing, trouble walking or talking. Peak flow: Under 50%.	Administer emergency quick-relief medication immediately. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care right away.

Interactive Symptom Check

When monitoring your child, evaluate these key indicators:

Breathing Effort: Are breaths quiet and steady, or rapid with flaring nostrils and belly retraction?
Coughing & Wheezing: Is there persistent coughing at night or an audible whistling sound when exhaling?
Activity Level: Can your child run, play, and speak without pauses to catch their breath?
Peak Flow Meter Reading: If your child is age 5 or older and uses a peak flow meter, compare today’s score to their personal baseline.

Essential Tips for Caregivers

Share the Plan: Ensure your child’s school nurse, daycare providers, coaches, and babysitters have a printed copy of the signed Asthma Action Plan.
Always Pack a Spacer: Inhalers are significantly more effective in pediatric patients when used with a valved holding chamber (spacer).
Know the Triggers: Track whether pollen, viral colds, cold air, pet dander, or exercise spark symptoms so you can take preventative steps early.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always follow the specific Asthma Action Plan provided by your child’s pediatrician or pediatric pulmonologist.