Good asthma control means keeping symptoms under control consistently so that daily life activities are minimally affected and risks of asthma attacks are reduced. Achieving and maintaining asthma control involves managing symptoms, avoiding triggers, adhering to treatment, and monitoring lung function over time.

Indicators of Good Asthma Control:

• Minimal Symptoms: Experiencing symptoms (like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath) no more than twice a week during the day and not more than twice a month at night.
• Low Rescue Inhaler Use: Needing a quick-relief inhaler (e.g., salbutamol) two times a week or less.
• Normal Activity Levels: Being able to participate in daily activities and exercise without limitation.
• Stable Lung Function: Normal peak flow readings or other lung function measurements.
• Minimal Flare-Ups: Few or no asthma exacerbations requiring medical intervention.

How Good Asthma Control Affects You

When asthma is well-controlled, the impact on daily life is minimal. Good control reduces the risk of A&E visits, hospitalisations, and severe asthma attacks, allowing a person to lead an active, symptom-free life.

It can also:

• Improve sleep quality by reducing night-time symptoms.
• Enhance physical fitness and reduce fatigue.
• Lessen reliance on rescue medications, reducing potential side effects.
• Improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety related to asthma attacks.

Tools to Monitor Control

Key strategies for maintaining good asthma control include:

• Consistent Medication Adherence: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the preferred long-term control therapy, reducing inflammation in the airways, thereby lowering symptom frequency and severity.
• Self-Monitoring and Action Plan: Using tools like peak flow meters to monitor lung function and having an asthma action plan can help recognize symptoms early and respond appropriately .
• Lifestyle Adjustment - known triggers, such as allergens or irritants, and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are critical in sustaining good asthma control .

References:

Global for Asthma (GINA). "Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention." 2023.

Bateman, E. D., et al. "Development and validation of a symptom-based measure of asthma control." Allergy, 2019.

Nathan, R. A., et al. "Development of the asthma control test: a survey for assessing asthma control." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2004.

Reddel, H. K., et al. "Self-management of asthma: Challenges and new directions." The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2018.

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. "Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma."

Dr Geranmayeh