GPs may need to step up treatment in patients with asthma-related sleep disturbances despite correct inhaler technique and adherence, according to the National Asthma Council.

Its new resource also encouraged doctors to ask about asthma symptoms during sleep or after waking — such as chest tightness, wheeze and breathlessness — that may indicate suboptimal asthma control.

Adelaide GP Dr Kerry Hancock said these nocturnal asthma symptoms “should not be ignored or accepted as normal”.

“Always ask about the presence of nocturnal asthma symptoms, take them seriously and manage them by checking adherence to therapy and inhaler device technique, stepping up therapy if required and subsequent review,” she told AusDoc.