Summary of the BTS/NICE/SIGN Joint Asthma Guideline Now Available

Published in November 2024, the joint guideline was developed collaboratively by the British Thoracic Society (BTS), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

The summary provides a concise overview of key recommendations aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, supporting patients to manage their condition more effectively, and reducing the risk of asthma attacks. It is intended for use by healthcare professionals across primary, secondary and tertiary care, as well as commissioners, providers, and people living with asthma and their carers.

In support of this work, BTS, NICE and SIGN have also developed a comprehensive asthma pathway to accompany the guideline. The pathway integrates guidance on diagnosing, monitoring and managing asthma across a range of clinical scenarios—including difficult, severe and acute asthma—and is available via Health Improvement Scotland’s Right Decision Service or via the NICE website

BTS Chair, Dr Richard Russell commented,

“The BTS/NICE/SIGN Asthma Guidelines are amongst the most respected and followed guidelines for the management of asthma in the world. This new summary of the guidelines enables all to update their practice and deliver more effective evidence based care.”

Find out more information or read the full guideline summary.

To access the full guideline and pathway, visit the British Thoracic Society, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network websites.