Uncontrolled Asthma: When Should You See an Asthma Specialist?
Understanding when specialist assessment may be needed
Are your asthma symptoms continuing despite treatment? Frequent symptoms, flare-ups or difficulty controlling your asthma may be signs that your asthma is not well controlled. However, uncontrolled symptoms do not always mean that you simply need more medication.
Before considering a change in treatment or referral to an asthma specialist, it is important to check whether your diagnosis is correct, whether your medication is being taken as prescribed, and whether your inhaler technique is appropriate. Other factors can also contribute to persistent symptoms. In this video, Dr. Ryan, a primary care physician from the United Kingdom, explains when someone with uncontrolled asthma may benefit from specialist assessment and what should be checked first.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- What symptoms may indicate that your asthma is not well controlled
- Why confirming the asthma diagnosis is an important first step
- Why taking your prescribed medication regularly matters
- How incorrect inhaler technique can affect asthma control
- How smoking and other lifestyle factors may worsen symptoms
- How obesity and low levels of physical fitness can contribute to breathing difficulties
- How occupational exposures may affect asthma symptoms
- What an asthma specialist may assess after referral
Watch the video below to learn when specialist assessment may be considered and what your healthcare professional may check first.
What does uncontrolled asthma mean?
Asthma control can vary from person to person and over time. Ongoing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, or chest tightness, as well as frequent use of a reliever inhaler or asthma attacks, may indicate that asthma is not well controlled. However, persistent symptoms can have different causes. It is therefore important to understand why symptoms are continuing before deciding that asthma treatment needs to be increased.
What should be checked before seeing a specialist?
When asthma symptoms remain troublesome, your healthcare professional may review several factors, including:
- The diagnosis: Symptoms can be caused by conditions other than asthma, so confirming the diagnosis is important.
- Medication use: Your healthcare professional may check whether you are taking your medication as prescribed and whether your current treatment is appropriate.
- Inhaler technique: Even small errors in inhaler technique can affect how much medication reaches your lungs. Your technique should be checked regularly.
- Other factors: Smoking, excess weight, low physical fitness, occupational exposures and other conditions can contribute to persistent respiratory symptoms or make asthma more difficult to control.
What can an asthma specialist assess?
If symptoms remain uncontrolled after these factors have been reviewed, your healthcare professional may refer you to an asthma specialist.
A specialist can reassess your diagnosis, review your asthma control and treatment, perform or arrange additional investigations, and look for factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. For people with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma, specialist assessment can help determine whether additional treatment options should be considered.
Uncontrolled asthma does not always mean you need more medication. Understanding what is causing your symptoms is an important step towards finding the right approach to treatment.
Please note: This video is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your asthma symptoms or control, speak with your healthcare professional.
