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Asthma

Stacy E Potts, MEd, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A heterogeneous disease characterized as chronic inflammation of the airway  (1)

  • Common triggers: exercise, allergen-irritant exposure, change in weather, laughter, or viral respirato...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

History of variable respiratory symptoms: 
  • More than one symptom such as wheeze, SOB, cough, chest tightness

  • Symptoms worse at night, vary in time and intensity, worse with common trigg...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Focus on symptom control and prevention of exacerbations.

  • Use of holding chambers (“spacers”) with inhaled agents improves clinical outcomes.

  • Written asthma self-management act...

ONGOING CARE

Smoking cessation if indicated 

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Identify triggers and control exposures.

  • Consider stepping down treatment once symptoms are controlled for 3 months.

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention, 2021. https://ginaastma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GINA-Main-Report-2021-V2-WMS.pdf. Accessed Octobe...

ADDITIONAL READING

Expert Panel Working Group of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) administered and coordinated National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordina...

CODES

ICD10

  • J45.20 Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated

  • J45.52 Severe persistent asthma with status asthmaticus

  • J45.51 Severe persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation

  • J45.902 Unspecified asthma with...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • SABA plus ICS or formoterol/ICS is the most effective rescue therapy for acute asthma symptoms.

  • Holding chambers should be used by all.

  • ICSs are the preferred long-term control therapy f...

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