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Building an Asthma Action Plan for School and Sports
What belongs in a written asthma action plan, how the green-yellow-red zones work, and how to coordinate with your child's school.
By Samuel Divaker, MDJuly 13, 2026Medically reviewed July 13, 2026
A written asthma action plan turns a stressful moment into a set of clear steps that any adult caring for your child can follow.
The three zones
- Green: breathing well, taking daily controller medication as prescribed.
- Yellow: cough, wheeze, or tightness; use rescue medication and follow the written steps.
- Red: severe breathing trouble, rescue medication not helping; seek emergency care immediately.
Sharing it with school
- Provide a signed copy to the school nurse and front office.
- Complete medication authorization forms so the inhaler can be kept on site.
- Ask about self-carry permission for older students.
- Give a copy to coaches and after-care staff.
Sports and exercise
- Warm up gradually for 10 to 15 minutes before intense activity.
- Use pre-exercise rescue medication if we have prescribed it.
- Be cautious on high-pollen or high-heat days in Central Florida.
- Stop and use rescue medication at the first symptoms rather than pushing through.
Keeping the plan current
Review the plan with us at least once a year, and any time doses change, your child grows significantly, or symptoms increase. Late summer is a good time so everything is in place for the school year.
When to call Divaker Pediatrics
Our Mount Dora office is here for questions big and small. Call 352-383-8386 to schedule a visit, or use the healow patient portal to send a message to our team. If your child has a medical emergency, call 911.