Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for asthma. This is a condition that can make it hard to breathe. The doctors created an asthma action plan for your child. This is a list of instructions that tell you:
●What medicines to give your child at home each day, if any
●What symptoms to watch for
●What other medicines to give your child if their symptoms get worse
●When to call the doctor or get emergency help
Most action plans have 3 categories:
●Green means the child is breathing well and their asthma symptoms are under control.
●Yellow means the child is having some symptoms and needs treatment with a quick-relief medicine.
●Red means the symptoms are severe and the child needs medical help.
Here is an example of an asthma action plan for children (form 1).
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Make sure you and your child understand their action plan and how to use it. If you have any questions, call their doctor or nurse.
Patient education: Asthma action plan for children (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise-induced asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: Avoiding asthma triggers (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma symptoms and diagnosis in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma treatment in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma inhaler techniques in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Exercise-induced asthma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Trigger avoidance in asthma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (Beyond the Basics)
