Q1. I believe my asthma is as well controlled as it can be. So how can Asthma Score be of benefit to me?
Q2. What does a doctor mean when he or she asks "how do you rate you level of asthma control"?
Q3. So what level of asthma control should I be aiming for?
Q4. How do I know if Asthma Score is an accurate assessment of my level of asthma control?
Q5. Once I know my Asthma Score, is it worthwhile rechecking my score at a later date?
Q6. Do I have to visit my doctor to find out my Asthma Score?


Q1. I believe my asthma is as well controlled as it can be. So how can Asthma Score be of benefit to me?
A. Many patients overestimate their level of control. ^1,2
Recent studies have shown that many people with asthma over-estimate their level of asthma control. In fact, as many as 52% of patients with moderate asthma still use a reliever more than 3 times a week. ¹

Asthma Score provides an accurate measure of your level of symptom control, which means you can quickly and easily establish whether your level of control could be improved or whether your current asthma management plan is working to its maximum potential.

Q2. What does a doctor mean when he or she asks "how do you rate you level of asthma control"?
A. More often than not, when a doctor asks the question �how would you rate your asthma control?� the response is �my asthma control is good.� Your level of asthma control is very subjective. Many people base their asthma control on:

• Whether they are experiencing a symptom at that point in time i.e. no symptoms = good control
• Whether they get quick �control� over their symptoms with their reliever i.e. reliever = control
• Whether they can avoid asthma triggers by avoiding certain situations i.e. avoid triggers = control

Q3. So what level of asthma control should I be aiming for?
A. Advances in asthma management and therapy now means it is possible to work towards completely eradicating the symptoms of asthma. That means it may be possible to experience NO daily symptoms, NO reliever use, NO night-time awakenings, NO exacerbations, NO emergency hospital visits, NO adverse events leading to treatment change. ³

If you are not yet experiencing this level of asthma control, it is important that you raise this issue with your doctor as he/she will be able to review your asthma and recommend any change in therapy that may be beneficial.

Q4. How do I know if Asthma Score is an accurate assessment of my level of asthma control?
A. Once the Asthma Score assessment system was developed it was checked against spirometry and specialists� assessment to confirm its level of accuracy.

Q5. Once I know my Asthma Score, is it worthwhile rechecking my score at a later date?
A. As you would be aware, a person�s level of symptom control can vary over time. By regularly using Asthma Score, you can gain a more accurate picture of your ongoing level of asthma control.

Asthma Score is also an effective way to monitor whether any changes to your asthma management plan or treatment regimen have led to an improvement in your level of control. You should check your Asthma Score 3 to 4 times a year just to make sure your asthma control is as good as it can be.

Q6. Do I have to visit my doctor to find out my Asthma Score?
A. Not necessarily. You can simply do the Asthma Score by going online to www.asthmascore.com.au and following the simple instructions. You�ll find the Asthma Score is very easy to do and will only take a few minutes. You should take the score with you next time you see your doctor. Alternatively, you can do your Asthma Score at the doctor�s surgery or when you visit your pharmacy.

However, it is important to remember that your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to talk to regarding the implications of your Asthma Score or any changes to your treatment plan.