Reassurance

As with any long term chronic condition, it is important to recognise that a diagnosis of asthma can cause a significant amount of fear and anxiety for the patient (or the parent of a young patient).

However, in the majority of cases, it is possible to achieve good asthma control. It is important that patients understand what constitutes "control" in asthma so that they can be reassured of the positive outcomes of treatment, but will also recognise better when their level of control slips. Good asthma control is characterised by:

• Minimal symptoms
• No exacerbations
• No activity limitation
• No emergency visits
• Minimal need for rescue medication
• Minimal side-effects from medication
• Normal / near-normal lung function (peak flow readings)
• Minimal diurnal peak flow variability.