What does the Asthma Control Test (ACT) primarily assess?

The Asthma Control Test (ACT) primarily assesses asthma control, focusing on the impact of asthma on a patient’s daily life and the effectiveness of their current treatment plan. It consists of a series of questions that evaluate symptom frequency, nighttime awakenings, use of rescue medications, and the overall perception of asthma control. By measuring these aspects, the ACT helps clinicians and patients understand how well the asthma is managed, identify potential worsening of symptoms, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This information is crucial in tailoring asthma management strategies to improve overall patient outcomes and quality of life.

The other options, while related to asthma, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of the ACT. Physical activity levels and allergic reactions are important factors in asthma management but are not directly assessed by the ACT. Similarly, while medication side effects can affect treatment adherence and asthma control, they are not the focus of the ACT itself.