Statistical process control charts have been advocated for use in monitoring of lung function in asthma. We aimed to evaluate their application in asthma using existing data from a randomized trial.Patients on optimal inhaled corticosteroid/bronchodilator therapy (n=81) were randomized to continue the same or change to corticosteroid alone. Baseline statistical control was assessed from 20 days of electronically recorded lung function (peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV 1 ]). The ability to detect lung function changes was assessed during 10 days after randomization.PEF measurements were in statistical control during baseline for only 59–79% of patients for different combinations of five control chart rules (e.g., Rule 1: >3 standard deviations outside mean and 95% expected to be in control), with similar proportions for FEV 1 . After randomization, among those previously in statistical control, Rule 1 signaled lower FEV 1 for 35% of patients randomized to treatment change compared with 6% continuing baseline treatment (P=0.004). Control charts performed poorly for PEF, signaling a decrease for 8% of patients randomized to treatment change compared with 11% continuing treatment (P=0.7). A paradoxical increase was signaled for many patients continuing treatment.Control charts may not be suitable for use in many patients with asthma.