Advising patients on the management of nocturnal asthma

Asthma as a condition has a range of phenotypes but is typified by a diurnal variation in symptoms. It is common to find that patients exhibit cough wheeze and dyspnoea that worsen overnight and particularly in the early hours of the morning. Nocturnal symptoms affect up to 74% of patients, with patients waking up with symptoms at least once a week.^.1

Clinical assessment

Annual reviews are critical so that nurses can differentiate between asthma that is poorly controlled, difficult to control and severe asthma. Such reviews should also be triggered following an exacerbation requiring oral steroids and within 2 working days of hospital discharge.² Part of an annual review is to conduct a valid and reliable asthma control test such as the Asthma Control Questionnaire² or Asthma Control Test.³