Understanding asthma control

Control can change with infections, allergens, smoke exposure, weather, medication use or inhaler technique. Feeling well today does not by itself show whether airway inflammation is being managed over time.

More cough, wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness can signal worsening control. Waking at night, avoiding exercise, struggling with usual tasks or reaching for reliever medication more often are also meaningful changes.

A clinician considers the pattern across recent weeks, any flare-ups, trigger exposure, correct use of medicines and how symptoms affect life. Breathing tests may be added when appropriate because symptoms and measured airflow do not always change together.

Take controller medicine on the prescribed schedule, check inhaler technique with a clinician or pharmacist, and use a spacer if one has been recommended. Keep a written action plan that explains usual treatment, signs of worsening and the response to take.

Record nighttime waking, activity limits, reliever use and likely triggers. Address nasal allergy symptoms, avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, and arrange review rather than repeatedly managing deterioration with reliever medication alone.

Book a prompt review when symptoms are becoming more frequent, sleep or activity is affected, the reliever provides less benefit, or the action plan indicates treatment should be stepped up. Do not stop a controller medicine because symptoms have settled without discussing the plan.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, confusion, exhaustion, faintness, or continued worsening despite using reliever treatment exactly as directed in the emergency plan.

Bring your inhalers and ask for a technique check. Clarify which medicine is the controller, what changes count as loss of control, whether a trigger needs targeted management, and when the action plan says to seek urgent help.