Asthma Monitoring
Ongoing assessment and tracking of asthma control and symptoms.
Overview
Asthma monitoring is essential for maintaining optimal disease control and preventing exacerbations. Regular assessment helps track symptoms, medication effectiveness, and overall asthma management.
act Score
what
Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a validated questionnaire that assesses asthma control over the past 4 weeks.
components
- Frequency of asthma symptoms
- Impact on daily activities
- Use of rescue medications
- Overall asthma control perception
scoring
range
Scores range from 5 to 25
well Controlled
20-25: Well-controlled asthma
not Well Controlled
16-19: Not well-controlled asthma
poorly Controlled
5-15: Poorly controlled asthma
frequency
Should be completed at each visit to track control over time
peak Flow
what
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs.
purpose
- Monitor daily asthma control
- Detect early signs of worsening
- Guide medication adjustments
- Identify triggers and patterns
technique
- Stand or sit upright
- Take a deep breath
- Blow out as hard and fast as possible
- Record the best of 3 attempts
- Measure at the same time each day
zones
green
80-100% of personal best: Good control, continue current treatment
yellow
50-79% of personal best: Caution, may need medication adjustment
red
Below 50% of personal best: Medical attention needed immediately
exacerbations
tracking
- Frequency of asthma attacks
- Severity of symptoms
- Emergency department visits
- Hospitalizations
- Oral steroid courses needed
triggers
- Identify patterns and triggers
- Environmental factors
- Seasonal variations
- Activity-related symptoms
prevention
- Regular controller medication use
- Trigger avoidance strategies
- Action plan adherence
- Early intervention when symptoms worsen
adherence
importance
Medication adherence is critical for maintaining asthma control and preventing exacerbations.
monitoring
- Regular medication review
- Inhaler technique assessment
- Refill frequency tracking
- Barrier identification and support
strategies
- Simplify medication regimens when possible
- Use reminders and medication trackers
- Address cost concerns
- Provide education on importance of adherence
follow Up
frequency
- Every 1-3 months for uncontrolled asthma
- Every 3-6 months for well-controlled asthma
- More frequent during exacerbations or medication changes
components
- ACT score assessment
- Symptom review
- Medication review and adherence check
- Inhaler technique evaluation
- Peak flow monitoring if applicable
- Action plan review and updates
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.