When is chronic disease review recommended for asthma?

The clinician may ask about wheeze, cough, chest tightness, night waking and use of a reliever inhaler. They can check your inhaler technique, discuss triggers such as smoke or allergens, review preventer treatment, and update your written asthma action plan. Bring every inhaler and spacer you use so the instructions can be checked directly.

A review is also useful after an asthma flare, an urgent visit, or a change in medicine. It helps identify whether symptoms reflect asthma, poor inhaler delivery, exposure to a trigger, or another breathing problem.

Arrange a routine appointment even if you feel well, because asthma symptoms can change gradually. Note daytime symptoms, sleep disruption, activity limits, reliever use and any missed doses. Tell the clinician about smoking or vaping, workplace exposures, allergies, pregnancy, and medicines bought without a prescription. Do not stop a prescribed preventer without medical advice.

Seek urgent medical help if breathing is rapidly worsening, you cannot speak comfortably because of breathlessness, your lips look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or your reliever is not helping as directed in your action plan. These warning signs need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a routine review.

Ask whether your current symptoms show good control, whether your inhaler technique is effective, when to use each inhaler, which triggers to avoid, and when your next review should be arranged.