A flare tracker is a simple log that helps parents document what they are observing so that patterns become visible over time and so that provider appointments are grounded in real data rather than stressed memory. A useful tracker captures the date, which symptoms are present and how intense they are, any possible triggers in the days before symptoms appeared, what seemed to help or make things worse, and a brief note on overall functioning. The goal is not a comprehensive medical record — it is a real picture of what is actually happening over time. Providers who can see that picture across weeks or months are in a much better position to understand the pattern and make informed decisions. A printable flare tracker is available as a free tool on this site.