Ongoing GP care · Established asthma
Ongoing asthma questions with an online GP
If you already have an asthma history, a phone appointment may help you discuss symptom changes, current care, home readings and what should happen next.
Can I discuss established asthma with a HerDoc GP online?
Sometimes. If asthma is already established, a HerDoc GP may be able to discuss symptom changes, current medicines, home readings and follow-up. New breathing symptoms, worsening control or questions that need chest examination, lung-function testing or an inhaler-technique check may need face-to-face care.
Questions about established asthma
An appointment can be a starting point when you want to discuss how established asthma has been going, what has changed or whether another review is due. Useful topics may include:
The phone consultation does not confirm that every asthma concern can remain online.
- daytime or night-time symptoms
- waking because of cough, wheeze or breathlessness
- limits on exercise, work or usual activities
- recent flare-ups or care from another service
- current medicines and how often they are used
- an existing written Asthma Action Plan
- peak-flow or other readings you already collect
Have the recent pattern handy
Think about what has changed since your last asthma review, including symptoms, night waking, activity limits, triggers, flare-ups and any urgent care. Have your current medicines and written action plan nearby if you have one.
A short record can help, but it is optional. You can upload an image or PDF of a relevant action plan, diary or record during intake. Use the information you already have and do not delay care while trying to build a diary or collect readings.
What a phone appointment can and cannot check
The GP can ask about the pattern, previous diagnosis, current care, other health conditions and whether symptoms suggest another cause. They can discuss whether a prescription request, action-plan review, testing, referral or another appointment should be considered.
A phone appointment cannot listen to your chest, measure oxygen, perform spirometry or observe inhaler technique. Asthma diagnosis and a thorough review may require physical examination and lung-function testing, particularly when symptoms are new, changing or not well understood.
Continuing care after the appointment
The next step may be continuing the current plan, a treatment discussion, local examination, spirometry, another test, an inhaler-technique check with an appropriate professional, or another GP appointment. None of these outcomes is promised from booking.
For a later asthma appointment, log in to your dashboard or portal, select rebook and choose the same HerDoc GP when that GP is available, or choose another GP. Each later appointment is separately booked and paid.
Flare-ups and asthma emergencies need direct action
Do not wait for a routine HerDoc appointment if breathing is getting worse or your existing Asthma Action Plan tells you to act. Seek prompt local care when symptoms are not improving, you need examination or oxygen measurement, or you are relying on urgent asthma care more than usual.
Call 000 for severe breathing difficulty, difficulty speaking normally, blue lips, marked drowsiness or confusion, collapse, or another sign of a severe asthma attack. Follow your current Asthma Action Plan while emergency help is arranged; this page does not replace the instructions written for you.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- A severe or worsening asthma flare-up
- New breathing symptoms needing diagnosis
- Chest examination, oxygen measurement or spirometry
- An inhaler-technique check
When to seek urgent care
Call 000 for severe breathing difficulty, difficulty speaking normally, blue lips, marked drowsiness or confusion, collapse or another sign of a severe asthma attack.
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Difficulty speaking normally
- Blue lips or marked drowsiness
- Confusion or collapse
Want to discuss established asthma when HerDoc launches?
Join the waiting list for updates about HerDoc phone GP appointments. Do not join or wait for HerDoc if breathing symptoms need prompt or emergency care.
Related pages
FAQs
Can an online GP help with ongoing asthma care?
Sometimes. Established asthma questions may be discussed by phone when the GP has enough information, but a complete asthma review can require chest examination, spirometry and an inhaler-technique check. The GP may direct you to local care for those parts.
What if I have new breathing symptoms but have never been diagnosed with asthma?
Do not assume new breathing symptoms are asthma. Arrange a medical assessment because diagnosis may require physical examination, spirometry and consideration of other causes. Seek urgent help immediately if breathing is severe or worsening quickly.
What established asthma concerns can I discuss online?
You can discuss changes in symptoms, night waking, activity limits, flare-ups, current medicines, an existing action plan and home readings. The GP will consider whether the question can be addressed by phone or needs local assessment.
What information should I prepare for an asthma appointment?
Have your symptom pattern, recent flare-ups, current medicines, existing action plan and any home readings handy. It also helps to mention night waking, limits on activity, recent urgent care and what has changed since the last review.
Can I discuss my written Asthma Action Plan with the GP?
Yes. Have the current plan available and explain whether symptoms or care have changed since it was written. The GP can discuss it, but an updated or new plan is not promised and may require a fuller review.
Should I keep a record of symptoms, night waking or activity limits?
A simple record can show changes over time and make the conversation easier, but it is not compulsory. Do not delay medical care to complete it if symptoms are worsening or your action plan tells you to act.
Can inhaler technique be checked in a phone appointment?
No. A phone appointment cannot reliably observe how you use an inhaler or spacer. The GP may recommend an in-person technique check with a suitable health professional.
Can I discuss peak-flow or other home readings?
Yes. You can share readings you already have and how they compare with your usual pattern. A reading does not replace symptoms, examination or spirometry, and the GP may recommend local assessment.
Will I need spirometry or another lung-function test?
Possibly. Spirometry is an important part of diagnosing and reviewing asthma, but whether and when it is needed depends on your history, symptoms and previous testing. It cannot be performed in a phone appointment.
Can I ask about renewing an existing asthma prescription?
Yes. You can request a renewal and discuss current symptoms, medicine use, monitoring and recent changes. A renewal is not automatic; the GP may need examination, testing, records or another prescriber’s input first.
Can the GP change my asthma treatment online?
The GP can discuss treatment after considering your established diagnosis, symptoms, medicines and available information. A change is not promised, and the safer next step may be examination, spirometry, an inhaler-technique check or another review.
What if my asthma has recently flared up or become harder to control?
Follow your written Asthma Action Plan and arrange timely medical assessment. If symptoms are not improving or you need physical observations, use local care rather than waiting for a routine HerDoc appointment.
Can I book the same HerDoc GP for asthma follow-up?
Yes. Log in to your dashboard or portal, select rebook and choose that GP when they have an available appointment. You may also choose another HerDoc GP if that works better for you or the original GP is unavailable.
When does established asthma need face-to-face review?
Face-to-face review is important when the GP needs to listen to your chest, measure oxygen, perform or arrange lung testing, check inhaler technique or assess a significant change. A full asthma review commonly includes parts that a phone appointment cannot provide.
Which breathing symptoms need urgent care or 000?
Call 000 for severe breathing difficulty, difficulty speaking normally, blue lips, marked drowsiness or confusion, collapse, or another severe asthma-attack sign. Follow your current action plan while help is arranged and do not wait for a HerDoc appointment.