What is an Asthma Review?

An asthma review (or check-up) is a time planned by your doctor to find out more about your asthma.  

At an asthma review it’s a chance for you to talk about: 

  • any symptoms you are experiencing
  • any concerns you may have 
  • your asthma medicines 
  • possible other ways to look after your asthma.

An asthma review is an important way to help you stay on top of your asthma symptoms and maintain good asthma control. 

How To Prepare For An Asthma Review

When you book your appointment with your doctor, let them know you are coming for an asthma review. They may need to book extra time for you, and perhaps some time with the practice nurse as well. 

Before you go, fill out the ‘Annual Asthma Review Worksheet’ below. By noting all these details down, you can help make sure you get a smooth and thorough asthma review. 

Annual Asthma Review Worksheet Asthma Check-In Sheet
Use this for an annual review Use this shorter worksheet for a check-in between your annual asthma reviews

Download Annual Asthma Review Worksheet

Download Asthma Check-In Worksheet

Other things to bring with you: 

  • Your current Asthma Action Plan. If you don’t already have one you can print a template here. 
  • Your current asthma medicines e.g. any inhalers and spacers you use.

What Happens At An Asthma Review?

At your asthma review visit, your doctor (and/or asthma nurse) will talk with you about how you think your asthma is going. They can also give you tips to improve your asthma care at home.  

They will check:  

  • if you’ve had any asthma attacks or flare-ups since you last visited  
  • when your lung function test (spirometry) is due – and listen to your chest  
  • what might make your asthma worse, for example maybe other health conditions, stress or being around triggers 
  • your current preventer medicine – is it working?  
  • how often you are using your asthma medicines  
  • if you are using your inhalers correctly to get the maximum benefit from them    
  • any side effects from your asthma medicines e.g. oral steroids 
You should be given an updated written Asthma Action Plan to take home as part of your asthma review. It provides you with clear instructions on how to treat your asthma.
  • Make sure it makes sense to you before you leave your asthma review, and you can follow the steps. 
  • If you don’t understand it, ask for help from your doctor. 

Get Your Asthma Action Plan

Tracking Your Symptoms Before An Asthma Review

Use a diary to record your symptoms.   

Keep track for a few weeks (if possible) on your phone’s calendar app or draw up a table (see below) before your asthma review visit with your doctor. 

When Should You Go For An Asthma Review?

Asthma symptom control should be monitored frequently.  

In general asthma should be reviewed: 

  • within 3-12 weeks after changing a treatment and  
  • every 3-12 months depending on how stable your asthma is 
  • within 1 week after an asthma flare-up 

If your breathing or condition has changed at all and despite following your Asthma Action Plan it doesn’t improve, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Do You Still Have Questions?

Book a free call with our Asthma Educators here. They can provide you with support between your doctor’s visits and give you the information you need to feel confident to have a productive conversation with your doctor about your asthma, or that of a loved one.  

Book a Call