SABA Overuse Alert (6+ in 6 Months)

SABA Overuse Alert (6+ in 6 Months)

🛑 SABA Overuse Alert (6+ in 6 Months)

This shared component flags when a patient has been issued six or more Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) inhalers (e.g. salbutamol) in the past 6 months. It serves as a key marker of poor asthma control and risk of exacerbation.

🧭 When Will I See This?

This alert appears when:

  • A patient has a coded asthma diagnosis

  • Six or more SABA inhalers have been prescribed in the last 6 months

📋 What To Record



Field
Purpose
Review of SABA UseConfirm discussion with patient about overuse and associated risk
Contributing FactorsDocument reasons for overuse (e.g. poor technique, non-adherence to preventer)
Plan for AdjustmentRecord any therapy changes, referrals, or self-management updates
Patient Education GivenConfirm discussion of safe inhaler use and triggers

⚠️ Excessive SABA use is associated with increased risk of hospitalisation and asthma-related death.

🧠 Why This Matters

  • NICE and NRAD recommend <3 SABA inhalers per year for well-controlled asthma

  • ≥6 in 6 months suggests suboptimal control

  • Often indicates preventer underuse, poor adherence, or poorly understood asthma

💬 Suggested Questions to Ask

  • “How often are you using your reliever inhaler?”

  • “Have you been needing it more than usual lately?”

  • “Do you feel it’s helping, or are symptoms still breaking through?”

This component acts as a safety net to detect and address high-risk reliever use — ensuring timely intervention and reducing preventable asthma deterioration.

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