How to get more from your asthma review

Here’s how to make that short appointment count.

1. Bring an honest picture of how things have been

Your asthma might be stable most of the time, but small changes can show up long before symptoms feel serious. Before your review, think about:

• How often you have needed your reliever inhaler
• Any nighttime coughing, wheezing or breathlessness
• Changes in triggers such as pollen, cold air or exercise
• Whether you’ve missed work, school or social plans because of symptoms

You don’t need perfect records, just a clear sense of patterns. This helps your clinician adjust your treatment safely and confidently.

2. Check your inhaler technique

Even if you’ve been using an inhaler for years, it’s easy to slip into small habits that make it less effective.

During your review, your nurse or pharmacist will usually ask you to demonstrate your technique. Take that chance. If you’re unsure, ask:

• “Can you watch how I use this and tell me if I’m doing it right?”
• “Would a spacer make this work better for me?”

Studies show that most people don’t use inhalers quite as prescribed, and correcting technique can make a bigger difference than changing medication¹.

3. Review your preventer and reliever balance

If you’re reaching for your blue reliever more than three times a week, it may mean your preventer inhaler (usually the brown one) isn’t strong enough or you’re not using it regularly. Be honest about how often you take it. Your clinician isn’t judging; they just need to know the reality to tailor your plan.

If you’ve had any courses of oral steroids or emergency inhalers, bring that up too; it can indicate that your asthma isn’t as well controlled as it could be.

4. Update your asthma action plan

Every person with asthma should have a written plan that explains:

• Your regular medicines and doses
• What to do if symptoms get worse
• When to seek urgent help

If you don’t have one, ask for it at your review. If you do, check that it’s still accurate and that everyone who supports you, such as family, school, and your workplace, has an up-to-date copy.

You can download a free asthma action plan template from Asthma + Lung UK, and take it with you to your next appointment.

5. Discuss your lifestyle and triggers

Your review isn’t just about medication. It’s also a chance to discuss what affects your asthma on a day-to-day basis.

This could include allergies, exercise, stress, or even changes in housing or weather conditions. Mention anything new that might be playing a role, even if it seems unrelated. Small clues often point to big improvements.

6. Ask questions and agree on next steps

At the end of the review, make sure you’re clear on your plan:

• Are any doses changing?
• When should you book your next review?
• What symptoms mean you should come back sooner?

If something’s unclear, ask your clinician to write it down or explain it again. You can also use a secure app like Mirror to note or record what’s been agreed, so you don’t have to rely on memory later.

In summary

An asthma review is one of the best ways to stay well and avoid flare-ups. Come prepared, talk honestly about how things have been, and leave knowing exactly what your plan is.