Our nurses who have expertise in the management of asthma and you can make an appointment to see them in the asthma clinic.
You will have an initial assessment and them you should have a review of your asthma at least annually, or 6 monthly if you are under 19 years of age. The appointment will take 20 - 30 minutes.
This is your opportunity to check how you’re getting on with your asthma and discuss any concerns, such as how to avoid triggers that set off your asthma, it will include inhaler technique assessment and training, so you should bring all inhaled medication to every appointment.
If you need a more urgent review because you are having problems with your asthma, please make the receptionist aware of this when you are requesting an appointment.
You can also arrange a telephone consultation if you do not feel you need to come in and be seen.
You will need to be seen al least every 3 months if your asthma is not well controlled – for example having trouble sleeping due to asthma, having usual asthma symptoms during the day, or your asthma is stopping you from doing your normal day to day activities.
You should also have a review within 48 hours if you have a serious asthma attack, whether you have had to attend A&E or out of hours services for treatment, or have managed it yourself.
You will also be kept under closer review if you have had your asthma treatment changed, you can’t get your asthma under control, or you’re happy with your asthma control and would like to consider reducing medicines.
The best way of keeping on top of your asthma is by understanding how to manage it yourself and having a written action plan, so you will know what to do if your asthma gets worse. We can provide one to fill in with you, or you can get one free from www.asthma.org.uk or by calling the asthma UK helpline - 0300 222 5800.