Asthma diary
An asthma diary helps you keep track of how well you are managing your asthma. You record your peak expiratory flow (PEF), any symptoms and what triggers them, and any quick-relief medication you use to relieve the symptoms.
Measure your PEF often, every morning and evening if possible, and record it in your diary. If you have symptoms or an asthma attack, record the trigger (if possible), the symptoms, and what kind of medication you used for relief and how well it worked. Also note if you had to contact your health professional or seek emergency care. This can help you determine your triggers and help your health professional monitor your treatment.
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.
Week of October 12
My personal best is 400 litres per second. My:
- Green zone is 320 to 400 litres 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 litres 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 litres per second (less than 50% of my best).
My current long-term medications are fluticasone and salmeterol.
Example of asthma diary Date AM/PM PEF Trigger Symptoms Quick-relief medication and response Red zone visit to doctor/hospital? Green
Yellow
Red
Monday 350 a.m.
300 p.m.
Beta2-agonists
Improved PEF
No Tuesday 190
Swimming Wheezing Beta2-agonists
Eliminated wheezing
No Click here for a blank asthma diary template
(What is a PDF document?).
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: September 4, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine | |
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