Difficult to control asthma

1) What is asthma control?

Good asthma control Difficult to control asthma
  • No daytime symptoms.
  • No night time awakening due to asthma.
  • No need for rescue medications.
  • No exacerbations/flare ups.
  • No limitations on activity including exercise.
  • Normal lung function (FEV1 and/or PEF >80% predicted or best) with minimal side effects.
  • Persistent symptoms.
  • Frequent exacerbations or flare ups.
  • Reduced lung function and may have changes to structure of the lungs.
  • Little improvement despite high doses of asthma treatment.

A small proportion of people with asthma, around 5%, will still have difficulty controlling their asthma even though they are following all the advice and taking all the medication correctly. This can be very challenging for you and your respiratory team. Referral for specialist hospital review and further specialist testing is sometimes required.

Self management

Take careful notes of when your asthma is at its worst or any conditions which increase your symptoms. This information can be useful for the specialist team to pin point causes. Working in partnership with your asthma team is key.