Content Map Terms

Asthma Diary

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 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 (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.




Salbutamol

Improved PEF

No

Tuesday



190

Swimming

Wheezing

Salbutamol

Eliminated wheezing

No

Click here for a blank asthma diary template .

Credits

Current as of: November 14, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Rohit K Katial MD - Allergy and Immunology