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Asthma reliever overuse — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsAsthma reliever overuseGPhC CRA

A 56-year-old woman with asthma asks for another salbutamol inhaler after using one inhaler in three weeks. Her preventer is beclometasone 100 micrograms two puffs twice daily, but she often forgets evening doses. She is speaking in full sentences and has no chest pain. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: BUse the preventer regularly and arrange an asthma review promptly

Frequent salbutamol use suggests poor asthma control and increases future exacerbation risk. The scenario gives a modifiable adherence issue as well as high reliever use. The patient needs reinforcement of preventer use, inhaler technique assessment and timely clinical review, with urgent escalation if symptoms deteriorate.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF