Key questions on asthma diagnosis and management

Module summary

GP respiratory specialist Dr Fiona Mosgrove discusses current recommended practice in the diagnosis and management of asthma, including appropriate diagnostic steps, use of eosinophil counts, the principles of recommended treatment regimens and use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in monitoring.

Learning objectives

This module will enhance your knowledge and bring you up to date on:

• Key updates within joint NICE/BTS/SIGN guidelines on asthma diagnosis and management.
• Recommended diagnostic pathways in children and adults, including stepwise approach to testing and the role of PEF measurement.
• When blood eosinophils should be tested in adults and how to interpret results.
• Appropriate initial management of newly diagnosed asthma, including the use of AIR therapy and MART, how to escalate treatment and the place of SABA monotherapy.
• When and how to switch existing patients to new treatment regimens.
• Assessment and management of acute exacerbations in primary care.
• Key components of an asthma self-management plan.

Author: Dr Fiona Mosgrove is a GPwSI in respiratory medicine based in Aberdeen

Date published: 03.07.2025