Asthma Control Test: Assessing Symptom Management

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) checks how well asthma is managed. It helps patients and clinicians see if symptoms are under control. This self-administered survey looks at the past four weeks of health. It uses five straightforward questions to measure how much the condition impacts daily life and sleep quality. Items ask about shortness of breath, waking up at night, and how often a rescue inhaler is needed. It also asks for a personal rating of overall control. Each answer gets a score from one to five, with lower numbers showing poor control or higher risk. Taking just a minute to finish, the ACT is great for clinical visits or home monitoring. A total score below 19 suggests asthma might be uncontrolled, prompting a necessary chat about changing meds. It gives a clear snapshot of lung health to guide better treatment decisions for the long run.