Managing asthma in children requires collaboration between health care providers, parents, and caregivers. ALL children with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan filled out by their health care provider.
As a reminder, the South Texas Asthma Coalition (STAC) Asthma Action Plan (AAP) (published February 2024)is available for download. It includes the newest 2020 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Guidelines.
The STAC AAP is a PDF document with drop down selections. It includes:
- SMART/MART therapy – Single Maintenance and Relieve Therapy.
- Revisions to the wording in the pre-exercise area of the AAP.
- A significant number of drop-down choices, so the medications follow the new guidelines, and some wording edits.
- Requiring one of the two self-carry box selections (either allowing self-carry or not) to be checked prior to the physician signing the AAP.
Find instructions for download and completing the form the STAC Asthma Action Plan in English or Spanish at: https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SAMHD/Health-Professionals/Asthma-Action-Plan-AAP
Additional Guidance
Identifying Triggers: Work with the family to identify triggers that exacerbate the child’s asthma. Consider elements such as allergens, environmental exposures, and specific activities.
Medication Management: Choose and clearly outline any prescriptions for daily controller and rescue medications based on severity/control for each zone and whether it is to be given at home, school, or both. Highlight the importance of adherence and correct inhaler technique. Select the most appropriate option for medication self-administration.
Symptom Monitoring: Determine guidelines for monitoring asthma symptoms. Review Asthma Action Plan zones (GREEN, YELLOW, and RED) with parents and child to educate them on symptoms and when to administer medication appropriately. Promote open communication with parents to address any developing issues quickly.
Emergency Response: Develop a detailed emergency response plan (RED zone) detailing steps for escalating care during severe asthma exacerbations. Ensure parents are well equipped to handle emergencies and know when immediate medical attention is required.
Communication and Education: Provide parents with education on asthma management, covering symptom recognition, proper medication administration and the importance of adherence. Advise parents to share the Asthma Action Plan with everyone involved in the child’s care; the child’s primary caretaker, daycare provider, school nurse, coach, after-school coordinator, and anyone else in charge of their child’s care, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach.
- Community First offers Members Health & Wellness Programs, including Asthma Matters: Asthma Management Program. If you feel a patient could use more support with asthma education and care management, please refer them, and a Health Educator will contact them. You can refer a Member by calling Population Health Management at 210-358-6055 or emailing healthyhelp@cfhp.com. Asthma Matters participants may be eligible to receive*:
- $80 in gift cards for completing San Antonio Kids BREATHE home visits ($35 for the first visit, $10 for the second visit, and $35 for the third visit).*
- $10 gift card for getting a flu shot
- $10 gift card for completing required asthma education
- Mask with aerosol chamber
- Asthma Kit
- Allergy-free pillow cover
- Mattress Protector
*Limitations and restrictions may apply.
Routine Reviews & Updates
Schedule regular follow-up appointments to evaluate the child’s Asthma Action Plan. Adjust the plan as necessary based on the child’s response to treatment and any changes in triggers or symptoms.
Provider Resources
- Tips for Completing an Asthma Action Plan (rev. February 2024)
- Metropolitan Health District – Asthma Action Plan (AAP)
- STAC AAP Form for Home and School – English
- STAC AAP Form for Home and School – Spanish
- SA Kids BREATHE Referral Form
Providers are encouraged to share this information with their staff. If you have any questions about this notice, please email Provider Relations at ProviderRelations@cfhp.com or call 210-358-6030. You can also contact your Provider Relations Representative directly.
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