Asthma Guidelines UK: BTS, NICE & SIGN Unite on Diagnosis and Management Standards
Asthma affects over 5 million people across the UK. Whether you’re living with asthma, treating patients, or simply want to stay updated, the new asthma guidelines UK offer a big shift in how we approach diagnosis and long-term management. For the first time, the British Thoracic Society (BTS), NICE, and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) have created a single, clear set of asthma clinical guidelines.
What Are the New UK Asthma Guidelines All About?
The BTS, NICE and SIGN asthma guidelines were published on 27 November 2024 and represent the first-ever UK-wide joint guidance for asthma. This comprehensive document covers everything from how asthma is diagnosed to how it’s monitored and managed over time.
Importantly, the guideline:
- Replaces older guidance like NICE guideline 80 and parts of SIGN 158
- Brings together the best practice in one place
- Introduces major changes to first-line treatment for chronic asthma
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Key Changes in Asthma Diagnosis and Monitoring
Objective Testing First
The new asthma diagnosis guidelines put a firm emphasis on objective testing when someone first presents with symptoms. This includes:
- Spirometry and peak flow measurements
- Blood tests for eosinophils
These changes aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis.
No More “Blue Inhaler Only” Approach
One of the most notable changes in the asthma management guidelines is around initial treatment. The traditional use of the blue short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) inhaler alone is no longer recommended.
People aged 12 and over with newly diagnosed asthma should be offered a low-dose combination inhaler (inhaled corticosteroids and formoterol) to be used as needed.
A New Digital Asthma Pathway for Clinicians
The joint guideline also introduces a digital asthma pathway — a handy online tool bringing together everything from diagnostic tests to treatment plans. It includes acute asthma management, occupational asthma support, non-drug management tips and climate-conscious inhaler decision aids.
For allergy-related triggers, consider reading our guide on allergy testing services.
