What happens at an asthma review?
An asthma review is a chance to check on your child’s asthma and adjust their treatment if needed. Treatment aims to keep asthma controlled with the smallest possible dose of medicine.
Your doctor’s goal for your child is the best asthma control using the least amount of medicine.
This can be a tricky balance with the changing seasons and changing triggers. That’s why regular check-ups are important. Don’t just see your doctor when your child’s asthma gets bad – work with their doctor year-round to prevent their asthma from getting bad.
To make sure you can get the most from your time with the doctor, it helps to be prepared. The Asthma Review Worksheet can help you get ready for your child’s appointment. That way you can be free to concentrate on helping them stay calm and confident.
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How often should my child’s asthma be checked by their doctor?
| When their asthma is stable and well controlled? | Every 3-6 months For an asthma review The doctor will check their puffers and action plan to make sure their treatment is right for them as they grow |
| If their doctor has increased their medicine to improve their asthma control | After 4 weeks To check if the change is working or if they need to try a different medicine |
| If their doctor has reduced their medicine to step down treatment | After 4-6 weeks To make sure their asthma symptoms have not returned |
| If they have just been to hospital due to an asthma attack | After 3 days To check their recovery is on track Again after 4 weeks To make sure they are fully recovered and create a prevention plan |
Your child’s doctor will want to see your child more often if they have any of these risk-factors:
- Food allergy
- Poor asthma control
- Admission to hospital in the last 12 months
- A history of intubation for acute asthma
- Abnormal spirometry findings
- Exposure to allergens
- If they use a lot of blue puffer
- If they often forget to use their preventer
- If they haven’t got the hang of using their puffer the right way
- If you are worried about managing an asthma emergency at home
