What is an Asthma Control Test?

An Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a short questionnaire used to measure how well a person’s asthma is being managed. It helps healthcare professionals understand if the current treatment is working or if changes are needed to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks.

How does the Asthma Control Test work?

The ACT asks simple questions about your asthma symptoms over the past 4 weeks. Each question is scored from 1 to 5. The total score helps show whether your asthma is under control or not. A higher score means better asthma control.

Who should take the Asthma Control Test?

The test is suitable for:

Adults and teenagers aged 12 and over
Children aged 4 to 11 (with help from a parent or carer using a child-friendly version)

What kind of questions are asked?

The questions focus on how asthma has affected your daily life, such as:

How often you had shortness of breath
Whether asthma has stopped you from doing normal activities
How often you used your reliever inhaler (blue inhaler)
Whether asthma symptoms woke you up at night
How you feel about how your asthma is being controlled

How is the test scored?

The total score ranges from 5 to 25:

20 to 25: Asthma is well controlled
16 to 19: Asthma may not be well controlled
15 or below: Poorly controlled asthma – see a healthcare professional

Why is the Asthma Control Test important?

Taking the ACT regularly helps spot changes in your asthma and take action early. It helps prevent asthma attacks and supports better long-term health. It can also help you and your doctor agree on the best treatment plan.

Where can you take the Asthma Control Test?

You can complete the ACT online, at your GP surgery, or during an asthma review with a nurse or doctor. It only takes a few minutes and gives important information about your condition.

What should you do with your score?

If your score shows that your asthma is not well controlled, you should:

Book an appointment with your GP or asthma nurse
Review your asthma action plan
Make sure you're taking your preventer inhaler as prescribed
Talk about any triggers or symptoms you've noticed

Key Takeaways

The Asthma Control Test is a simple tool to check how well your asthma is being managed.
It asks about symptoms, activity levels, and inhaler use over the past month.
A score out of 25 shows if your asthma is under control or needs attention.
Low scores mean you should speak to your GP or asthma nurse for advice.
Taking the test regularly can help prevent serious asthma problems.

Note: Always talk to a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your asthma symptoms or score. They can help you adjust your treatment and avoid asthma attacks.