Uncontrolled asthma in primary care: part 1

Uncontrolled asthma places patients at risk of asthma attack, hospital admission and death. Andrew Booth highlights strategies that may be used in primary care to identify these patients This article will help nurses to identify uncontrolled asthma in a primary care setting, and support the identification of people who may be at risk from asthma attack, hospital admission or death. Guideline-defined asthma control is covered, along with the appropriate tools used to measure asthma control. The difference between asthma severity, asthma control and risk of attack is discussed, with practical advice from national and international asthma guidelines. Strategies and interventions that may be of use in primary care are highlighted, and a look at how research is helping identify new ways of supporting people with uncontrolled asthma.