What is an asthma action plan?
An asthma action plan is a written set of instructions prepared with your GP. It explains which medicines your child takes every day, how to recognise when asthma is getting worse, what to do at each stage, and when to call for emergency help. It helps everyone who looks after your child respond the same way.
What a plan usually includes
- your child’s usual medicines and doses, including any preventer
- signs that asthma is well controlled
- signs of worsening asthma and what to do, including how many puffs of reliever to give
- signs of a severe attack and when to call 000
- your GP’s and your emergency contact details
Preventers and relievers: what’s the difference?
Relievers (usually blue or grey) work quickly to open the airways during symptoms. Preventers are taken regularly, usually every day, to reduce inflammation in the airways and lower the chance of flare-ups. Not every child needs a preventer, so your GP will tailor the plan to your child’s symptoms and history.
Why use a spacer?
A spacer is a plastic tube that attaches to the puffer. It holds the medicine so your child can breathe it in over several breaths, which means more medicine reaches the lungs and less ends up in the mouth and throat. Younger children may use a spacer with a mask. Ask your GP or practice nurse to check your child’s technique, as small changes can make a big difference.
Sharing the plan with school and carers
Give a copy of the action plan to your child’s school, kindergarten or childcare, and to anyone who regularly cares for them, including grandparents and sports coaches. Many schools ask for an updated plan each year. Make sure your child’s reliever and spacer are clearly labelled and in date.
When to review the plan
- at least once a year
- before grass pollen season, which in Victoria usually runs from October to December
- after an asthma flare-up, hospital visit or emergency department visit
- if your child is using their reliever more often than usual or waking at night with symptoms
When to see your GP
Book an appointment if your child’s asthma is affecting sleep, play or school, if they need their reliever more than twice a week, or if you’re unsure how to use their medicines. In an emergency, always call 000.
Common asthma triggers in children
- colds and other viral infections, the most common trigger in young children
- cold air, especially on frosty Ballarat mornings
- exercise and sport
- pollen, dust mites, mould and pet dander
- cigarette smoke and vaping aerosol
- smoke from wood heaters and bushfires
Knowing your child’s triggers helps you plan ahead. Your GP can add trigger advice to the action plan.
Signs asthma is well controlled
When asthma is well controlled, children can usually sleep through the night without coughing or wheezing, play and do sport like their friends, and rarely need their reliever. If your child needs their reliever more than twice a week, wakes at night with asthma, or misses school or activities because of it, it’s a sign to see your GP.
Pack an asthma kit
Many families keep a small kit in the school bag and the car with a reliever puffer, spacer, a copy of the action plan and an emergency contact card. Check expiry dates each school term and replace puffers that are empty or out of date.
Asthma in teenagers
As children grow, encourage them to take more responsibility for their asthma, including carrying their reliever, knowing their triggers and understanding their plan. Teenagers may also want to speak with their GP on their own for part of an appointment, which is common and can help them build confidence managing their health.
Asthma care in Delacombe
Our GPs and practice nurses can review your child’s asthma, check inhaler and spacer technique and prepare or update an asthma action plan. Weekend appointments can make it easier to fit a review around school and sport. If your child’s asthma isn’t improving, your GP can discuss further options, including referral to a paediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that every person with asthma, including children, has a written asthma action plan prepared with their doctor.
At least once a year, and whenever your child’s asthma or medicines change.
Policies vary between schools. Talk to your child’s school and include the arrangement in their plan.
Sources and further reading
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Information is current as at November 2026 and may change. Always speak with your GP about your own health. In an emergency, call 000.
Talk to a GP about your health
Bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Open seven days at Delacombe Town Centre.
