Asthma self-assessment
One in five families has someone living with asthma.
There are several different signs that you may have asthma and this test will allow you to find out
whether or not you are showing these signs.
It does not replace a full consultation or diagnosis from a GP.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you have a long-lasting cough that you have had for more than three weeks?
a) Yes I’ve had it for months (2 points)
b) Yes, more than 3 weeks (1 points)
c) I’ve had a cough for less than 3 weeks (0 points)
d) No, I don’t have a cough (0 points)
2. Do you ever cough at night?
a) Yes (1 points)
b) No (0 points)
More on night coughs
Coughing is an important reflex which keeps your throat and airways clear. Coughing due to asthma is
usually chronic (long-lasting) and dry. It tends to be worse at night.
A number of conditions other than asthma can cause coughing. These include lung infections, such as
acute bronchitis or pneumonia or lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The key difference for asthma-related coughs is that symptoms get better with a 'reliever' or
bronchodilator drug treatments, while symptoms due to other conditions generally do not.
3. Do you ever feel out of or short of breath?
a) All the time (3 points)
b) A couple of times a day (2 points)
c) A couple of times a week (1 point)
d) Never (0 points)
More on shortness of breath
Asthma may make you feel short of breath. Breathing difficulties can be described in several different
ways. You may be short of breath, unable to take a deep breath, gasping for air or feel like you're not
getting enough air.
Shortness of breath can have many different causes, including other lung conditions such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and coronary heart disease.
4. How often do you wheeze, or make an audible sound, when you breathe out?
a) Several times a day (3 points)
b) Once or twice a day (2 points)
c) Less than once a day (1 point)
d) Never (0 points)
More on asthmatic wheezing
Wheezing is probably the most well known symptom of asthma. It occurs due to generalised
narrowing of all the medium and small sized airways or it can equally arise because of a local
obstruction of a larger airway.
The sound of asthmatic wheezing, which can seem almost musical, is most obvious when you breathe
out.
Wheezing in asthma usually begins suddenly; occurs in episodes; may be worse at night or in the
early morning; is worse with cold air, exercise, and heartburn; may go away on its own, and is relieved
with a 'reliever' or bronchodilators.
5. Do you ever get a feeling of tightness round the chest?
a) Yes, every day (2 points)
b) Once or twice a week (1 points)
c) No, never (0 points)
More on chest tightness
Chest tightness is a squeezing feeling in your chest when you breathe in or out. The dominant
symptom may be a pressing feeling on the chest but if you are experiencing this for the first time, it
might be due to a heart condition rather than asthma so shouldn't be ignored.
A range of conditions can cause chest tightness. The key difference is that symptoms due to asthma
get better with 'reliever' or bronchodilator drug treatments, while symptoms due to other conditions
generally do not. Chest tightness or discomfort could also be due to coronary heart disease,
pneumonia, strain or inflammation of the muscles and tendons between the ribs or anxiety.
6. Do your symptoms get worse if you are exposed to any of the following ‘triggers’? You can
select more than one.
a) Cold air or changes in temperature (1 point)
b) Smoke or traffic fumes (1 point)
c) Food additives (1 point)
d) Intense emotions (1 point)
e) Animal hair or cat saliva (1 point)
f) Pollens or mould spores (1 point)
g) Perfumes, household cleaners and sprays (1 point)
h) Exercise (1 point)
i) No (0 points)
What’s a trigger?
Certain triggers, such as pollens, household cleaners or pets, can cause an allergic response.
When a person with asthma comes into contact with a trigger their airways become irritated. The
muscles tighten the airways narrow and the lining of the airways gets inflamed and swollen.
It can be useful to keep a list of your triggers when you discover them, and discuss them with your GP
or asthma nurse.
7. Do you seem to have chest infections more often than other people?
a) Yes (1 points)
b) No (1 point)
8. Is there a history of any of the following conditions in your immediate family? You can select
more than one?
a) Asthma (1 points)
b) Eczema (1 points)
c) Allergies (1 point)
d) Hay fever (1 point)
e) No (0 points)
ANSWERS
0-5points
Based on your responses today it is unlikely you have asthma.
If your symptoms do change or seem to get worse you should arrange an appointment with your GP
or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
This tool is not intended to replace a consultation with a health professional. If you are concerned
about symptoms please seek medical advice.
5-10 points
Based on your responses today it is possible you may have asthma or another respiratory condition.
You should arrange an appointment with your GP so that he or she can provide a proper diagnosis of
your symptoms.
There's no simple test for asthma. It's diagnosed by your doctor after examination, and taking into
account how and when symptoms occur.
Tests and investigations that measure the volume and speed of air that you breathe in and out can be
useful to confirm that you have asthma. You may also be given a medicine used to open up the
airways (a bronchodilator), to see if this improves how well your lungs work.
10-50 points
Based on your responses today you may well have asthma or another respiratory condition.
Make an appointment with your GP so that he or she can give you a proper diagnosis.
There's no simple test for asthma. It's diagnosed by your doctor after examination, and taking into
account how and when symptoms occur.
Tests and investigations that measure the volume and speed of air that you breathe in and out can be
useful to confirm that you have asthma. You may also be given a medicine used to open up the
airways (a bronchodilator); to see if this improves how well your lungs work.
If your symptoms worsen or you are having difficulties breathing go to an accident and emergency
department as you may be having an asthma attack and need urgent attention.