Screenings if you have asthma
The NHS says asthma usually starts in children, but it can happen at any age. (NHS) NICE says people with asthma should be reviewed at least once a year and after any asthma attack. (NICE NG245) This page covers the checks tied to asthma, not inhalers, medicines, doses or treatment.
Regular review
NICE says that in primary care, people with asthma should be reviewed at least annually and after any exacerbation by a healthcare professional with appropriate training in asthma management, and that the review should include a written personalised action plan. (NICE NG245) The NHS says you should have check-ups at least once a year to see how well your treatment is working, and to take your asthma action plan to all your asthma appointments. (NHS) GINA says asthma should in general be reviewed 1 to 3 months after starting treatment, then every 3 to 12 months (every 4 to 6 weeks during pregnancy), and within 1 week after an attack. (GINA 2026)
NICE says to monitor asthma control at every review. In addition to asking about symptoms, it says to check: (NICE NG245)
- time off work or school due to asthma
- amount of reliever inhaler used, including a check of the prescription record
- number of courses of oral corticosteroids
- any admissions to hospital or attendance at an emergency department due to asthma
NICE says to consider a validated symptom questionnaire at any asthma review, for example the Asthma Control Questionnaire, the Asthma Control Test or the Childhood Asthma Control Test. (NICE NG245) It also says to consider actively identifying people with asthma who are at risk of poor outcomes, with risk factors including 2 or more courses of oral corticosteroids a year, or 2 or more emergency department visits or any hospital admission for asthma. (NICE NG245) See questions to ask your doctor.
Lung function tests
GINA says to measure lung function with spirometry (or with a peak flow meter if spirometry is not possible) before starting inhaled steroid (ICS) treatment, 3 to 6 months later, and then at least once every 1 to 2 years, and more often in people with a high risk of attacks or with risk factors for lung function decline. (GINA 2026) NICE says to consider fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) monitoring for adults with asthma at their regular review, and not to use regular peak flow monitoring to assess asthma control unless there are person-specific reasons, for example when it is part of the personalised asthma action plan. (NICE NG245) MedlinePlus lists lung function tests, including peak flow measurements, among the tests that may be ordered. (MedlinePlus) See spirometry and COPD screening.
Questions about work
The NHS says asthma can also be caused by breathing in substances such as certain chemicals at work. (NHS) In people with adult-onset asthma, poorly controlled established asthma, or reappearance of childhood asthma, NICE says to check for a possible work link by asking whether symptoms are the same, better or worse on days away from work, and when on holiday. (NICE NG245)
Other conditions, mood and sleep
GINA says to check whether any other medical conditions are causing symptoms, affecting quality of life, or making asthma harder to control, for example rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, or depression and anxiety. (GINA 2026) See sleep apnea screening, depression screening: what to expect, anxiety screening (GAD-7) and mental health screenings by age.
NICE says to ask adolescents with asthma if they vape or smoke. (NICE NG245) See screenings if you smoke.
Bone checks
For people who take oral corticosteroid tablets long term for asthma, GINA says to monitor all patients for adrenal suppression and osteoporosis. (GINA 2026) The sources on this page do not set bone checks for other people with asthma. See how often to have a bone density test.
Usual screening on schedule
Asthma does not change the general schedules for cancer and other screening in the sources on this page. (NICE NG245)(MedlinePlus) See preventive screenings for older adults, cancer screenings by age and screenings by age and gender.
When to contact a provider
MedlinePlus, asthma, when to contact a medical professional: (MedlinePlus)
- Contact your provider for an appointment if asthma symptoms develop.
- Contact your provider right away if: An asthma attack requires more medicine than recommended; Symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment; You have shortness of breath while talking; Your peak flow measurement is 50% to 80% of your personal best.
- Go to the emergency room or call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) right away if these symptoms occur: Drowsiness or confusion; Severe shortness of breath at rest; A peak flow measurement of less than 50% of your personal best; Severe chest pain; Bluish color to the lips and face; Extreme difficulty breathing; Rapid pulse; Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath.
Where they differ:
- How often. NICE says at least once a year and after any attack; (NICE NG245) GINA says every 3 to 12 months once treatment has started, with an extra review 1 to 3 months after starting and within 1 week after an attack. (GINA 2026)
- Which lung test. GINA sets spirometry at least once every 1 to 2 years; (GINA 2026) NICE says to consider a FeNO breath test at the regular review for adults, and not to use regular peak flow monitoring without a person-specific reason. (NICE NG245)
Your doctor decides what your result means for you.
Questions people ask
How often should someone with asthma have a review?
NICE says people with asthma should be reviewed in primary care at least once a year and after any asthma attack (exacerbation). The NHS says you should have check-ups at least once a year. GINA says asthma should generally be reviewed 1 to 3 months after starting treatment, then every 3 to 12 months, and within 1 week after an attack. (NICE NG245) (NHS) (GINA 2026)
What does an asthma review check?
NICE says to check asthma control at every review: symptoms, time off work or school due to asthma, how much reliever inhaler is used, the number of courses of oral corticosteroids, and any hospital admissions or emergency department visits for asthma. It says to consider a validated symptom questionnaire, such as the Asthma Control Test. (NICE NG245)
How often are lung function tests done for asthma?
GINA says to measure lung function with spirometry (or a peak flow meter if spirometry is not possible) before starting inhaled steroid treatment, 3 to 6 months later, and then at least once every 1 to 2 years, more often for people at higher risk. NICE says to consider FeNO (a breath test) at the regular review for adults, and not to use regular peak flow monitoring to assess control unless there is a person-specific reason. (GINA 2026) (NICE NG245)
Does asthma change the usual cancer screening schedule?
The sources on this page do not set a different schedule for cancer or other routine screening in people with asthma. (NICE NG245) (MedlinePlus)