What does an ACT score below 20 indicate in relation to asthma management?

An ACT score below 20 indicates poor symptom control in asthma management. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a validated tool used to assess how well asthma is being managed and to understand how symptoms affect a patient's life. A score below 20 generally signifies that a patient is experiencing significant asthma symptoms, which can adversely affect their daily activities and overall quality of life. This score suggests that the current management plan may not be adequately addressing the patient's asthma, necessitating a review and potential adjustment of their treatment regimen to achieve better control of their symptoms.

In contrast, higher ACT scores would reflect better management and fewer symptoms, which is why scores below 20 specifically highlight ineffective asthma control.