When you have asthma, COPD, or a combination of both, one of the most powerful tools you can have is a clear, simple action plan.
An action plan is your personalised roadmap: it helps you spot early warning signs, know what steps to take, and feel confident in managing your condition day to day. It can also help your GP or nurse tailor your care more effectively – so it’s not just helpful for you, it improves your whole healthcare experience.
🛠️ What is an asthma or COPD personal action plan?
A self-management plan is a written guide that helps you:
- Understand what your usual symptoms are
- Spot when things are getting worse
- Know which medication to take and when
- Decide when to seek help (and from where)
- Keep track of your triggers, peak flow, or oxygen levels
- Set personal goals that support your lung health
It’s written with your input, so it reflects your condition, lifestyle, and preferences – not just a generic template.
🔑 People who have and use an action plan are more likely to stay well, avoid hospital, and feel in control of their breathing [SIGN 158] [NICE NG115].
📄 Why a written self-management plan makes a difference
Behavioural science shows that writing down your plan- and referring back to it – makes it more likely you’ll take the right action when you need to. That’s especially important when symptoms change quickly, or during times of stress when it’s harder to think clearly.
Having a written plan:
- Reduces panic during flare-ups
- Helps family members know how to help
- Supports continuity of care across appointments
- Builds trust between you and your healthcare team
📋 What to include in your asthma or COPD action plan
✅ Baseline information
- Your usual symptoms (on a good day)
- Your regular medications (names, doses, timing)
- Your known triggers
- Your personal best peak flow (if you use one)
- Your normal oxygen range (if using an oximeter)
🟡 What to do if symptoms get worse
- Signs that indicate early worsening
- How to increase or adjust inhalers (only if advised)
- What to monitor (e.g. peak flow, reliever use, symptoms)
- How long to try self-management before escalating
🔴 When to seek help
- When to contact your GP, asthma/COPD nurse, or NHS 111
- Red flag symptoms that mean you should call 999
- What to take with you to appointments or A&E (e.g. list of medications)
📥 Free asthma and COPD action plan templates to download for your next appointment
You don’t have to build your plan from scratch. These free, trusted templates can help you get started:
Asthma
COPD
- Asthma + Lung UK COPD Plan
- myCOPD App (GP referral may be needed)
Bring the completed or partially completed template to your annual review – or use it to start a conversation about making one together.
🧠 Setting personal health goals for better lung health
A good action plan isn’t just about medication. It can also help you set personal goals that support your wider health and wellbeing, such as:
- Walking for 10 minutes a day without stopping
- Using your inhaler correctly every day
- Sleeping better by reducing night-time symptoms
- Stopping smoking or reducing exposure to triggers
- Booking that overdue check-up
Start small. Behavioural science shows that small, meaningful changes are more likely to stick than drastic ones. Use the plan to track your wins – and build confidence.
💬 Tips for using and updating your asthma and COPD action plan
- Keep it somewhere easy to find (on the fridge, in a phone folder, or a wallet).
- You can also save a photo or screenshot of it in your Evergreen Life app within the Documents & Letters area of your Personal Records.
- Share it with someone close to you
- Review it with your nurse or GP at least once a year – or after any hospital visit
- Bring it with you to every respiratory appointment
- If something changes, ask your clinician to update it with you
🧾 Final thought: Your asthma or COPD action plan as a roadmap for health
Having an action plan is like carrying a map on a hike: you may not always need it, but when the weather turns, it can keep you safe and get you back on track.
You deserve to feel in control of your health. A simple plan, made with your team, can give you the confidence to breathe easier – every day.
If you haven’t already, download the free Evergreen Life app to track your health, including managing your asthma and/or COPD, and get practical tips that help you take control of your overall health.
This article is intended for general education and health coaching support and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is designed to support adults aged 18 years and over living with asthma, COPD, or asthma–COPD overlap in better understanding how to reduce the risk of disease progression and flare-ups through evidence-informed self-management strategies.
The content is based on up-to-date national and international clinical guidelines (including those from NHS, NICE, SIGN, GOLD, and Asthma + Lung UK) and aims to empower users with accessible, practical information. All references are drawn from reputable, evidence-based sources and are clearly cited.
This article should not be used in place of a medical consultation, and is not intended for children or young people under the age of 18.
Always speak to your GP, respiratory nurse, or specialist before starting, changing, or stopping any treatment or management approach – including medications, vaccinations, or lifestyle interventions.
If you experience severe breathlessness, confusion, blue lips or fingers, or symptoms that are not improving with your usual treatment, call 999 immediately.
This resource does not meet the definition of a medical device under UK MHRA regulations. It is not intended for use in diagnosing, prescribing, or making clinical decisions without appropriate professional input.
- NICE COPD in Over 16s: Diagnosis and Management (NG115).
- BTS/SIGN Asthma Guideline 2019.
- Asthma + Lung UK Action Plans.
- Asthma + Lung UK COPD Plan.
- NHS Supported Self-Management Policy.
- myCOPD: NHS-approved self-management app.
