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Asthma Control Test (ACT)

Check how well your asthma is managed

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPAuthored by Patient infomatics teamOriginally published 14 Sept 2025

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects around 5.4 million people in the UK. While medicines and inhalers are effective at controlling symptoms, many people are unsure whether their asthma is truly under control. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a quick, evidence-based way to check how well your asthma is managed in daily life.

At a glance

  • The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a questionnaire for people aged 12 and over.

  • It asks about your asthma symptoms, activity, and reliever use over the past four weeks.

  • Your score indicates if your asthma is well controlled, partly controlled, or poorly controlled.

  • A score of 20-25 suggests well-controlled asthma.

  • Scores below 20 mean your asthma may not be fully controlled.

  • Contact your doctor or asthma nurse if your score is 19 or lower.

  • Seek urgent medical help if your reliever inhaler is not helping, or breathing is very difficult.

This summary has been automatically generated from the article content to help readers quickly understand the key points.

In this article:

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What is the Asthma Control Test?

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a simple questionnaire that asks about your symptoms, activity levels, and use of reliever inhalers over the last four weeks.

It was developed by asthma specialists and is widely used in both clinical practice and research. The test is validated, meaning it has been shown to be reliable in measuring asthma control, and is recommended by healthcare professionals.

Take the test

Answer five quick questions to get your score.

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Your score will give you an idea of whether your asthma is well controlled, partly controlled, or poorly controlled.

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Understanding your results

  • Score 20–25 – Your asthma appears well controlled. Keep taking your medicine as prescribed and continue regular reviews with your doctor or asthma nurse.

  • Score 16–19 – Your asthma may not be fully controlled. You may be experiencing more symptoms than you should. It’s a good idea to book a review with your doctor or asthma nurse.

  • Score 5–15 – Your asthma is poorly controlled. You should make an appointment with your doctor or asthma nurse as soon as possible to review your treatment.

Remember: this tool is designed for people aged 12 years and over. There is a separate Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) for younger children.

Why asthma control matters

Even if your asthma seems “okay,” poor control can increase your risk of asthma attacks, hospital visits, or needing stronger medicine in the future. Symptoms such as coughing at night, wheezing during exercise, or needing your reliever inhaler more than twice a week are all signs that your asthma may not be under control.

Well-controlled asthma means:

  • Fewer or no day-to-day symptoms.

  • Sleeping through the night without coughing or wheezing.

  • Rare use of reliever inhalers.

  • Being able to enjoy exercise and activities without limitation.

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What to do if your score is low

If your ACT score suggests your asthma is not well controlled, don’t ignore it. Book an asthma review with your doctor or asthma nurse. Bring your test result with you - it can help guide the discussion.

In the meantime:

  • Make sure you are using your inhaler with the correct technique.

  • Keep taking your preventer inhaler as prescribed, even if you feel well.

  • Carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times.

  • Follow your personalised asthma action plan, if you have one.

If you are having frequent symptoms, waking at night, or finding it hard to breathe, seek medical advice promptly.

When to seek urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • Your reliever inhaler isn’t helping.

  • You are finding it difficult to speak, eat, or sleep because of your breathing.

  • Your symptoms are suddenly getting worse.

Asthma attacks can be life-threatening - always act quickly.

Disclaimer

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is not a diagnostic tool. It does not replace advice from your doctor, asthma nurse, or pharmacist. If you are concerned about your asthma symptoms or your test score is low, seek medical help.

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Frequently asked questions

Who developed the Asthma Control Test?

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) was created by asthma specialists. It is widely used and recommended by healthcare professionals, both in clinical practice and for research purposes.

Is the Asthma Control Test suitable for children?

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is designed for individuals aged 12 years and over. There is a specific Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) available for younger children.

How often should I take the Asthma Control Test?

The article does not specify a recommended frequency for taking the Asthma Control Test. However, it does mention that the test asks about symptoms, activity levels, and reliever inhaler use over the last four weeks. Regular reviews with your doctor or asthma nurse are advised.

What should I do if I am frequently waking up at night due to asthma symptoms?

If you are experiencing frequent symptoms, waking up at night, or finding it hard to breathe, you should seek medical advice promptly. If your reliever inhaler isn't helping, or you are struggling to speak, eat, or sleep due to breathing difficulties, or your symptoms are suddenly worsening, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

These questions and answers have been generated from the information in this article.

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About the authorView full bio

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Patient infomatics team

The Patient.info Informatics Team ensures our medical content and tools are accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with trusted NHS and NICE guidance.

About the reviewerView full bio

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Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

General Practitioner, Medical Author

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.

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