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Asthma SABA overuse — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsAsthma SABA overuseGPhC CRA

A 24-year-old woman asks to buy another salbutamol inhaler. Pharmacy records show she has had four salbutamol inhalers in 8 weeks and no inhaled corticosteroid for 6 months. She says she wakes with wheeze twice a week and has no fever. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Supply if clinically needed and advise urgent asthma review

Frequent SABA use and nocturnal symptoms indicate poor asthma control and increased risk of exacerbation. The immediate need for reliever treatment should be assessed, but the key action is urgent review of preventer therapy and inhaler technique. Stopping salbutamol abruptly could be unsafe. Antihistamines do not treat uncontrolled asthma.

Reference: NICE CKS Asthma; BNF