Conditions
Asthma
Diagnosis confirmation, baseline assessment, and controller therapy overview.
Last reviewed 2026-01-05|respiratory | chronic | airways
Diagnosis
- Confirm variable respiratory symptoms with spirometry and bronchodilator response.
- Identify triggers (allergens, exercise, viral infections) and occupational exposures.
Initial workup
- Baseline spirometry, symptom frequency, and exacerbation history.
- Review inhaler technique and adherence; assess comorbid rhinitis or GERD.
First-line management
- Provide reliever inhaler and consider low-dose ICS controller for persistent symptoms.
- Create an asthma action plan and reinforce trigger avoidance.
- Schedule follow-up to adjust therapy and monitor control.
Red flags
- Severe breathlessness, inability to speak in sentences, or silent chest.
- Frequent reliever use, repeated ED visits, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Referral triggers
- Diagnostic uncertainty or poor control despite step-up therapy.
- Suspected occupational asthma or frequent systemic steroid bursts.