- Pulmonology
- Allergology
- General medicine
ACT score
Assess asthma control
The Asthma Control Test (ACT) assesses asthma control over the past four weeks. The five-item version is intended for patients aged 12 years and older. It complements clinical assessment and does not replace the screening for exacerbations or pulmonary function testing.
- Number of questions
- 5 questions
- Approximate duration
- About 1 minute
- Population
- Asthma patients aged 12 and older
- Modality
- Self-administered questionnaire
QuestionnaireACT
SELF-QUESTIONNAIRE
The items assess the impact of asthma, symptoms, and the perception of control over the past four weeks. Each is scored from 1 to 5, with response options specific to the question. The pediatric version (C-ACT) includes different items and should not be confused with this version.
Are you patient?
You can complete the ACT if this version is appropriate for your age. In the event of acute breathing difficulties, do not wait for the score to be calculated: follow your action plan and seek appropriate help.
Terms of contract
For follow-up, record the date and any changes that occurred during the recall period. Any discrepancy between the score and clinical findings should be investigated rather than settled by the total score alone.
Score interpretationACT
Each response is scored from 1 to 5. The total ranges from 5 to 25: a higher score indicates better reported control.
Total score
First reading
5 to 14
Asthma not controlled according to the ACT
15 to 19
Asthma not well controlled according to the ACT
20 to 25
Asthma well controlled according to the ACT
The ACT score ranges from 5 to 25 points: - 5 to 19 points: poorly controlled asthma in terms of symptoms. - 20 to 25 points: generally well-controlled asthma in terms of symptoms. A score of 19 or lower should prompt a reassessment of asthma control. A three-point change can represent a clinically significant difference during follow-up. The score should be interpreted alongside exacerbations, treatment, and other clinical factors.
The result is self-reported and retrospective. It does not directly measure respiratory function and must not be used on its own to assess an ongoing attack. The score does not replace the analysis of other clinical factors and should not, on its own, lead to a change in treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and references
Robert A. Nathan et al.
Initial validation: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2004. Asthma Control Test (www.asthmacontroltest.com).
Questionnaires and associated scores
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