Introduction
Managing pneumonia effectively requires constant monitoring of your symptoms and knowing when to take action. This Pneumonia Self-Management Plan uses a simple traffic light system—Green, Yellow, and Red Zones—to help you quickly assess your condition and determine the appropriate next steps, ensuring you get the care you need when you need it most.
Crucial Reminder: Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
🟢 Green Zone: In Control
This zone indicates stable health where your symptoms are managed and under control.
| Symptoms (Green Zone Means I Am:) | Actions (Green Means I Should:) |
| * I am breathing easily. | * Continue to take my medicine as ordered. |
| * I have no fever. | * Balance activity and rest periods. |
| * I am not coughing, wheezing, or experiencing chest tightness or shortness of breath. | * Drink plenty of water, unless ordered otherwise. |
| * I am able to maintain my normal activity level. | * Take a deep breath and cough 2–3 times every hour to open up my lungs. (Coughing helps to clear my airways.) |
🟡 Yellow Zone: Caution
This zone signals that your condition may be worsening or that you need to contact your healthcare provider.
| Symptoms (Yellow Zone Means I Have:) | Actions (Yellow Means I Should:) |
| * I have an increase or change in the color of my mucus (phlegm). | * Contact my physician and share my symptoms. |
| * I am coughing or wheezing more than usual. | * Physician Contact: _________________________ |
| * I become short of breath with activity. | * Doctor: _________________________ |
| * I have a fever of 100.5°F or greater by mouth, or 99.5°F or greater under the arm. | * Phone: _________________________ |
| * Need more pillows or need to sleep sitting up. | |
| * I have loss of appetite, low energy, or fatigue. |
🔴 Red Zone: Medical Alert!
This zone is an emergency. Immediate medical attention is required.
| Symptoms (Red Zone Means I Am:) | Actions (Red Means I Must:) |
| * I am experiencing unrelieved shortness of breath. | * Take action! |
| * I have a change in the color of my skin, nails, or lips to gray or blue. | * You need to go to the Emergency Room or call 9-1-1 immediately! |
| * I have unrelieved chest pain. | |
| * I experience an increased or irregular heartbeat. | |
| * I feel confused or can’t think clearly. |
💡 Source and Disclaimer
Source: This plan is adapted from the Hospital Quality Improvement Contractors (HQIC), under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Lung Association. (Source reference text from the original image.)
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a physician or other healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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