In the asthma yellow zone (PEF 50-79%), which action is appropriate?

• A. Use rescue inhaler as needed and monitor
• B. Call emergency services immediately
• C. Discontinue all medications
• D. Increase maintenance inhaled corticosteroid dose

Answer: (A)

In the yellow zone, the main idea is to relieve bronchospasm quickly while watching closely for changes. This means using the rescue inhaler as needed to open the airways and then monitoring symptoms and peak expiratory flow. A fast-acting bronchodilator (like albuterol) works within minutes, so you use it according to the plan and recheck after about 15 minutes. If the PEF improves into the green range and symptoms ease, you continue your usual maintenance and daily monitoring. If there’s no improvement after the initial relief, or the PEF stays in yellow or slips toward the red, you should contact your clinician or seek urgent care promptly. Emergency services are reserved for red-zone signs (severe distress, very low PEF, or trouble speaking), not a yellow-zone reading. Do not stop maintenance meds, and avoid increasing the maintenance inhaled corticosteroid dose right away without medical guidance; changes to long-term therapy should come from a clinician.