ASTHMA CONTROL
ASTHMA AND SYMPTOM CONTROL
Controlled vs uncontrolled Asthma
Being in control of your condition can make you feel calmer and more at ease. Tracking Asthma symptoms is a key component to keeping Asthma in good control. Knowing how much of what medicine to take, and when, is based on your symptom-pattern.
Poorly controlled Asthma increases your risk of an Asthma attack (also known as an Asthma flare-up or exacerbation). 1 But remember, no matter how in control you are, Asthma attacks can occur even in people taking Asthma treatment.
When people suffering from mild Asthma are asked whether their Asthma is well controlled, more than 97 % will consider their Asthma as well controlled. But, when these people are tested with the appropriate tools, like the “Asthma Control Test”, it seems that 1 in 4 people are not well controlled. 14
Controlled Asthma goes beyond just not having symptoms. When we look at controlled Asthma, we also look at whether your daily life is impaired by your Asthma. For example, are you sleeping well, are you not participating in any normal activities due to your symptoms, are you using your reliever medication often, and are there warning signs that your Asthma may be more difficult to control in future (checking your lung function/peak flow regularly)? 1,15
Reliever Reliance
Are you over-reliant on your blue reliever inhaler? Complete the Reliever Over-Reliance Test to find out.
Symptom control
Which of the following have you had in the past 4 weeks?
Well controlled
None of these were experienced
Partly controlled
1-2 of these were experienced
Uncontrolled
3-4 of these were experienced
* Except reliever use before exercise
After the control of symptoms is checked, your doctor will also consider the risks or warning signs that your condition may be worsening, and if you may experience more Asthma attacks in the future. Your doctor will also look at whether you are using your medication regularly, and as prescribed, whether you are using your inhaler correctly (correct inhaler technique), how well your lung function is maintained, and the impact of smoking (where relevant). Lastly, blood tests will be done to look for any signs of inflammation (high levels of white blood cells). 1
Warning signs that you may have trouble controlling your Asthma include the following: 1
Medication
Using your blue reliever medication (SABA) 3 or more times a week (called Reliever Over-Reliance), not using your controller medication as you should, using the inhaler incorrectly, or not getting the dose you need.
Other Conditions
Exposure
Exposure to smoking, allergens or air pollution.
Lung Function
Medication
Using your blue reliever medication (SABA) 3 or more times a week (called Reliever Over-Reliance), not using your controller medication as you should, using the inhaler incorrectly, or not getting the dose you need.
Other Conditions
Being overweight, pregnancy or chronic sinusitis.
Exposure
To smoking, allergens or air pollution.
Lung Function
Low peak flow measurements, and if your lung function improves a lot after using medication.
Blood Tests
History
Mucus/Phlegm
Blood Tests
Blood tests showing that you may have inflammation.
History
If you have ever been intubated before or had 1 or more severe attacks in the last year.
Mucus/Phlegm
If you tend to produce a lot of mucus/phlegm.
