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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 about asthma symptoms and inhaler use.

  • It helps you understand if your asthma is well-controlled, partly controlled, or poorly controlled.

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

  • A score of 16-19 means your asthma may not be fully controlled.

  • A score of 5-15 indicates poorly controlled asthma.

  • If your score is low, book an appointment with your doctor or asthma nurse.

  • Seek urgent medical help or call 999 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

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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

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  • 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

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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

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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

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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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This leaflet provides information about the peak flow meter which is used by some people with asthma.

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Asthma inhalers

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Asthma inhalers

An inhaler is a device containing a medicine that is taken by breathing it in (inhaling). Inhalers are the main treatment for asthma and help to control asthma symptoms. There are many different types of inhaler. This leaflet gives information on the medicines inside inhalers, the types of inhaler device and some general information about inhalers. This leaflet is only about inhalers for asthma. It is important to recognise that the same inhalers can be used in other medical conditions (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) but that the way they are used may be different.

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Frequently asked questions

What kind of problems can I avoid if my asthma is well controlled?

Good asthma control helps prevent asthma attacks, reduces the need for hospital visits, and lessens the likelihood of requiring stronger medications in the future. It means you'll experience fewer daily symptoms, sleep better without being bothered by coughing or wheezing, and can exercise and participate in activities without limitations, rarely needing your reliever inhaler.

Can I use the Asthma Control Test for my young child?

No, this specific Asthma Control Test (ACT) is designed for individuals aged 12 years and over. There is a separate test called the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) developed for younger children.

How often should I take the Asthma Control Test?

The article doesn't specify a frequency, but it assesses symptoms over the last four weeks. If your score indicates your asthma is not well controlled, it's advised to book a review with your doctor or asthma nurse. Regular checks with your doctor or asthma nurse are also recommended for well-controlled asthma.

What should I do if my reliever inhaler isn't helping or my breathing is severely impacted?

If your reliever inhaler isn't providing relief, or if you're struggling to speak, eat, or sleep due to breathing difficulties, or your symptoms are rapidly worsening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately. These can be signs of a life-threatening asthma attack.

Does achieving a good score on the ACT mean I no longer have asthma?

No, the Asthma Control Test (ACT) is not a diagnostic tool. A good score of 20-25 indicates your asthma appears well controlled, but it doesn't mean your asthma is gone. You should continue taking your medicine as prescribed and attend regular reviews with your doctor or asthma nurse.

Besides taking the test, what are other signs that my asthma might not be under control?

Even if your asthma feels 'okay', specific symptoms suggest poor control. These include coughing at night, wheezing during exercise, or needing to use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week. These are all indicators that you might benefit from a review with your doctor or asthma nurse.

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.

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