Asthma Control Test: A Comprehensive Guide

Sprooten Roy^*
*Correspondence: Sprooten Roy, Department of Respiratory Diseases, Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey, Email:

Keywords

Asthma control test • Chronic respiratory condition • Asthma management

Introduction

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess the level of asthma control in individuals aged 12 years and older. It serves as a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare professionals to evaluate how well asthma symptoms are being managed and to make informed decisions about treatment plans. Developed by leading experts in asthma research, the ACT is a widely used and validated instrument that provides a standardized approach to evaluating asthma control. The ACT helps open communication between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the individual's asthma control and experiences. Healthcare professionals can use the ACT results to tailor treatment plans based on individual needs, ensuring that the management approach is personalized and effective [1]. Regular use of the ACT allows for the tracking of changes in asthma control over time, enabling early identification of issues and timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

Description

Participants are asked about the frequency of their asthma symptoms over the past four weeks. This includes questions about daytime and nighttime symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. The ACT also assesses the reliance on rescue medication, like short-acting beta-agonists, to relieve asthma symptoms. The frequency of rescue inhaler use provides insights into the level of asthma control. Individuals are questioned about the impact of asthma on their daily activities. This includes limitations in activities such as work, school and exercise due to asthma symptoms. Participants rate their overall asthma control on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating poorly controlled asthma and 5 indicating wellcontrolled asthma. The total ACT score ranges from 5 to 25, with higher scores indicating better asthma control. A score of 20 or higher is generally considered indicative of well-controlled asthma, while scores below 20 suggest the need for adjustments in the management plan.

The ACT helps healthcare providers tailor treatment plans based on individual needs. By understanding the specific challenges faced by the patient, providers can make more informed decisions regarding medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications and patient education. ACT facilitates open communication between individuals with asthma and their healthcare team. Sharing ACT scores during medical appointments provides a concrete measure of asthma control, fostering a collaborative approach to managing the condition. Regular use of the Asthma Control Test allows for early identification of worsening symptoms or declining asthma control [2,3]. Timely adjustments to the treatment plan can prevent exacerbations and enhance overall wellbeing. Achieving and maintaining good asthma control, as assessed by the ACT, can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma. Properly managed asthma allows for increased participation in daily activities and a reduced risk of severe asthma attacks.

Conclusion

The Asthma Control Test is a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of asthma. By providing a structured and standardized assessment of asthma control, the ACT empowers individuals and healthcare professionals to work together in optimizing treatment plans. Regular use of the ACT contributes to better outcomes, improved quality of life and a more proactive approach to asthma management. If you have asthma, consider discussing the Asthma Control Test with your healthcare provider to ensure your asthma is well-controlled and to enhance your overall respiratory health. Overall, the Asthma Control Test is a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of asthma, promoting a proactive and collaborative approach to optimizing asthma control and improving overall respiratory health [4,5]. Individuals with asthma are encouraged to discuss their ACT scores with their healthcare providers to ensure that their asthma is well-managed and to address any necessary adjustments in their treatment plans.

References

1. Ciółkowski, Janusz, Andrzej Emeryk, Paweł Hydzik and Justyna Emeryk-Maksymiuk, et al. "Eosinophilic airway inflammation is a main feature of unstable asthma in adolescents."Respir Med 147 (2019): 7-12.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Jia, Guiquan, Richard W. Erickson, David F. Choy and Sofia Mosesova, et al. "Periostin is a systemic biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthmatic patients."J Allergy Clin Immunol130 (2012): 647-654.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Shimoda, Terufumi, Yasushi Obase, Reiko Kishikawa and Tomoaki Iwanaga. "Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein can be an airway inflammation predictor in bronchial asthma." Allergy Asthma Proc 36 (2015): e23-e28.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Ali, Hajar, Jeroen Douwes, Jeroen Burmanje and Prachee Gokhale, et al. "Sputum inflammatory, neural and remodeling mediators in eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma."Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol130 (2023): 776-783.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Luo, Weihang, Jindong Hu, Weifang Xu and Jingcheng Dong. "Distinct spatial and temporal roles for Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in asthma."Front Immunol13 (2022): 974066.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at