Asthma

Most asthma patients will require regular treatment to reduce the symptoms and also treatment for relief when acute symptoms occur. Your treatment will depend on how troublesome your asthma is and may change from time to time. The aim is to keep you well and your asthma controlled on the lowest possible dose of medicine.

If asthma is suspected there are several methods by which it can be diagnosed. The method will be determined by the Doctor/Practice Nurse. Once diagnosed with asthma the patient will be commenced on the most appropriate treatment in the asthma clinic.

Asthma annual review: what to expect

It is recommended that every asthma patient is reviewed annually by a nurse with a special interest in Asthma, however if treatment is changed or symptoms are not under control you will be asked to attend a review appointment. All asthma appointments are arranged for 15 minutes.

The annual review will include the following:

• Recording of symptoms and pattern of symptoms
• Height and weight (BMI)· Exercise activity and ability
• Associated condition
• Determination of asthma type (i.e. exercise or pollen induced)
• Asthma trigger factors
• Allergies
• Family History
• Smoking status and smoking cessation advice
• Peak flow reading
• Inhaler technique and evaluation
• Exacerbation and hospital admissions
• Asthma management plan
• Review appointment: what to expect
• Repeat peak flow
• Daily symptoms review
• Asthma Management plan review