asthma follow up care

Overview

Asthma is a long-term lung condition that makes your airways (the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs) become swollen, narrow, and sensitive. Asthma follow-up care means having regular check-ins with your healthcare team to see how your asthma is doing, adjust your treatment if needed, and help you live well without constant worry about symptoms.

Yes, asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide. It affects people of all ages, and the number of people with asthma continues to grow.

Asthma can start at any age, but it often begins in childhood. It affects both children and adults, and some people find their symptoms change over time – they might improve, get worse, or come back after disappearing for years.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing – a whistling sound when you breathe out
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness, pain, or pressure in the chest
• Coughing, especially at night, early morning, or during exercise

Symptoms in children

• A cough that won't go away, especially when playing or sleeping
• Making a whistling sound when breathing out
• Tiredness or low energy because it's harder to breathe
• In babies, fast or noisy breathing, or difficulty feeding

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling breathless with daily activities like walking or climbing stairs
• Ongoing tiredness
• Frequent chest infections or a persistent cough
• Waking up at night feeling short of breath

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but asthma seems to run in families.
• A mix of genetic and environmental factors makes some people's airways more reactive.
• Early exposure to certain allergens or infections may play a role, but this is still being researched.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema
• Being exposed to cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke during childhood
• Living in areas with high air pollution
• Being exposed to dust, dust mites, mould, or pet dander
• Having other allergic conditions, like hay fever
• Being born prematurely or having a low birth weight

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you are using your reliever inhaler more than three times a week
• If you have had a severe asthma attack and your symptoms are still not controlled
• If your peak flow readings are falling, or your symptoms are waking you at night

Book a routine appointment if:

• You should have a routine asthma review at least once a year, even if you feel well.
• You also need a review after any hospital stay for asthma, or after a major flare-up.
• If your symptoms have changed – for example, becoming more frequent – book an earlier appointment.

Diagnosis

Asthma is diagnosed by a doctor or asthma nurse. They will ask about your symptoms, listen to your breathing, and do some breathing tests. There is no single test for asthma, so the diagnosis is based on your history, symptoms, and test results.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry – you blow into a tube as hard and as long as you can, and the machine measures how much and how fast you blow air out.
• Peak flow test – you blow into a small hand-held meter to measure your peak flow. You may be asked to track this over a few weeks.
• FeNO test – you breathe out into a device that measures the level of nitric oxide, which is a marker of airway inflammation.
• Allergy tests – skin or blood tests to check for allergens that might trigger your symptoms.

What to expect at your appointment

If you are going for an asthma review, expect a relaxed conversation about your symptoms, how often you use your inhaler, and how your asthma is affecting daily life. The doctor or nurse may ask you to do a breathing test. They may also give you a new or updated action plan. The review is a two-way conversation – it's your chance to ask questions too.

Treatment

There is no cure for asthma, but in most people it can be very well controlled with the right treatment. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation in the airways, keep symptoms at bay, and help you carry on with normal activities. Your action plan will tell you which medicines to use daily (preventer treatment) and which to use when symptoms happen (reliever treatment).

Self-care at home

• Take your preventer medicine every day, even when you feel well, if that's what your action plan says.
• Learn the correct inhaler technique – many people don't use their inhaler the right way, so ask your nurse or pharmacist to check.
• Identify and avoid your personal asthma triggers, such as smoke, dust, exercise, or cold air.
• Follow your written asthma action plan – keep it somewhere visible and update it at every review.
• Keep your peak flow meter (if you have one) clean and use it regularly to track your breathing.

Medical treatments

Medicines for asthma come mostly as inhalers. There are preventer inhalers that reduce swelling in the airways over time, and reliever inhalers that ease symptoms quickly during a flare-up. Some people may need add-on treatments, such as a long-acting bronchodilator or combination inhalers, if symptoms are not well controlled. Your doctor will decide the right treatment based on your symptoms and review results. Always take your medicines exactly as prescribed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually part of asthma treatment. In rare, very severe cases, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty might be considered, which uses heat to reduce muscle in the airway walls. This is not appropriate for most people, and you would be offered it only after specialist assessment.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma means being prepared. Keep your inhalers with you, use your peak flow meter if your doctor recommends it, and follow your action plan. Most people with well-managed asthma can do everything they want to do, including work, school, and exercise. If you find yourself avoiding activities, that's a sign your asthma may not be well controlled – talk to your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your lungs.
• Limit contact with allergens and irritants that trigger your symptoms, like dust mites, pet hair, or aerosols.
• Keep your home well-ventilated and avoid damp or mould problems.
• Stay at a healthy weight, as extra weight can press on your lungs and make asthma harder to control.
• Consider getting a flu vaccine each year – ask your healthcare provider if it's right for you.

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed for asthma, but eating a healthy, balanced diet helps your immune system and overall health. Exercise is good for people with asthma – it keeps your lungs and heart strong. If exercise triggers asthma symptoms, speak to your doctor about using your reliever inhaler before activity, and make sure you warm up and cool down properly.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with asthma can sometimes feel stressful or overwhelming. Anxiety is common in people with asthma, and stress can even make symptoms worse. It's important to talk about how you feel – with your doctor, a counsellor, or someone you trust. You are not alone, and many people with asthma go on to live happy, full lives.

Prevention

Asthma itself cannot be prevented, but you can do a lot to prevent symptoms and attacks. Following your action plan, taking your medicines correctly, and avoiding triggers are the most effective ways to stay well.

Vaccines

The flu vaccine is recommended for people with asthma in the UK because flu can make asthma much worse. You may also be advised to get a pneumococcal vaccine and certain others – talk to your healthcare provider about what's right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no universal screening for asthma. If you or your child have symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or breathlessness, see a doctor for a full assessment. Regular reviews are the best way to keep track of your asthma.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent and severe asthma attacks that may need hospital care
• Permanent damage to the airways over time, making breathing harder
• Poor sleep and reduced ability to exercise or do daily activities
• In children, slower growth or missing school days
• In rare cases, a life-threatening asthma attack

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with asthma is very good. With the right treatment, regular follow-up, and a clear action plan, most people can keep their symptoms well controlled and live full, active lives. Even if you have had severe attacks in the past, good care makes a huge difference. There is real reason for hope, and your healthcare team is there to help you every step of the way.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.