Controlling your asthma

Too many people with asthma spend time in hospital when they shouldn't have to: 75% of hospital admissions could be avoided.

If your asthma is under control, you're more likely to have a better quality of life and be more able to do the things you want to.

Is your asthma under control?

Three questions can help you to decide whether your symptoms are under control:

In the last month:
  • Have you had difficulty sleeping because of your asthma symptoms (including cough)?
  • Have you had your usual asthma symptoms during the day (cough, wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness)?
  • Has your asthma interfered with your usual activities - eg housework, work, school etc?
If you've answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, it may be that your asthma is not as well controlled as it could be. See your doctor or asthma nurse to discuss how you may be able to improve your asthma control or call our Adviceline. 

Signs that your asthma is not well controlled

May include:

  • Waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tightness in the chest
  • Having to take time off work because of your asthma
  • Finding it difficult to breathe, and breathing short shallow breaths
  • Needing more and more of your reliever
  • Finding that your reliever does not seem to be working
  • Having to take your reliever more than every four hours
  • Feeling that you cannot keep up with your usual level of activity or exercise

Having a personal asthma action plan and following it will help you get your symptoms back under control. Talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about getting one if you do not have one already.

If this does not work, you should see your doctor or asthma nurse. This may involve looking at your medicines, triggers and lifestyle to see if anything can be changed.

Help for you to take control of your symptoms

You can take control of your asthma by knowing what medicines to take, how much and when to take them. It is also important to avoid things that trigger your asthma and know what to do if your symptoms get worse.

All of this information should be recorded on a personal asthma action plan, which your doctor or asthma nurse should complete in discussion with you.

Asthma UK produces a free pack called Be in Control which includes an action plan, peak flow diary, medicines card and asthma review card.

Asthma UK Adviceline

If you would like to speak to an asthma nurse specialist about getting your asthma under control, please contact the Asthma UK Adviceline. You can telephone them on 0800 121 62 44 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

Asthma Action Plan

Everyone with asthma should have a written personal asthma action plan