Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma

Contents
Acknowledgments
iii
Preface
ix
Introduction 1
Asthma Definition and Implications for Treatment 9
Definition and Pathophysiology 9
Causes of Asthma 10
Implications for Treatment 10
Diagnosis of Asthma 11
Managing Asthma Long Term 15
Four Components of Asthma Care 15
Component 1: Assessing and Monitoring Asthma Severity and Asthma Control 15
Component 2: Education for a Partnership in Care 18
Component 3: Control of Environmental Factors and Comorbid Conditions That Affect Asthma 23
Allergens and Irritants 23
Comorbid Conditions 25
Component 4: Medications 28
General Mechanisms and Role in Therapy 28
Delivery Devices for Inhaled Medications 29
Safety Issues for Inhaled Corticosteroids and Long-Acting Beta 2 -Agonists 29
Inhaled Corticosteroids 29
Inhaled Corticosteroids and Linear Growth in Children 30
Long-Acting Beta 2 -Agonists 30
Stepwise Approach for Managing Asthma 30
Principles of the Stepwise Approach 30
Stepwise Treatment Recommendations for Different Ages 34
Steps for Children 0–4 Years of Age 34
Steps for Children 5–11 Years of Age 35
Steps for Youths >12 Years of Age and Adults 37
Managing Special Situations 38
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm 38
Pregnancy 38
Surgery 39
Disparities 39
Managing Exacerbations 53
Classifying Severity 53
Home Management 53
Management in the Urgent or Emergency Care and Hospital Settings 54
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Contents
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