Asthma Annual Review

What is an Asthma Review

An asthma annual review is an important part of managing your asthma and helping you stay well. Even if your asthma feels well controlled, regular reviews help ensure your treatment is still right for you.

Your annual review will be conducted by our specialist Respiratory Nurse, Ann Timms. The purpose of the review is to:

  • check how well your asthma is controlled
  • reduce the risk of asthma attacks
  • review your medication and inhaler use
  • make sure you have an up-to-date asthma action plan

What happens during the appointment?

Your appointment will last 20 minutes and may include:

  • talking about your asthma symptoms, including daytime or night-time symptoms
  • discussing how often you use your inhalers and whether they are helping
  • checking your inhaler technique
  • reviewing your current medication and making changes if needed
  • discussing your asthma triggers, such as colds, exercise, allergies, or smoking
  • reviewing or updating your personal asthma action plan

Prior to your appointment, you will be sent an Asthma ACT Questionnaire to assist us with information about your asthma, these questions will include:

  • how many asthma attacks, flare-ups, or hospital visits you have had in the past year (exacerbations of your asthma)
  • whether your asthma affects your sleep, work, school, or daily activities
  • how many episodes of shortness of breath you have a week

Peak Flow or lung function tests

If appropriate, we may:

  • check your peak flow, or
  • carry out a lung function test

These tests help us understand how well your lungs are working. If you monitor your peak flow at home, please bring your recent readings with you.

What should I bring to my appointment?

If possible, please bring:

  • your inhalers (including any spacers)
  • your asthma action plan, if you have one
  • any peak flow readings or symptom diaries

What happens after the review?

At the end of your appointment, you will have time to ask questions and discuss any concerns. Together, we will agree on next steps, which might include:

  • changes to your medication
  • advice on avoiding or managing triggers
  • an updated asthma action plan
  • follow-up appointments if needed

Why is an asthma annual review important?

Asthma can change over time. Regular reviews help to:

  • prevent asthma attacks
  • ensure your medication is appropriate
  • improve symptom control
  • support you to manage your asthma with confidence
  • keep living the life you want