Management of asthma: the current US and European guidelines

AP Reddy, MR Gupta - Heterogeneity in Asthma, 2014 - Springer
AP Reddy, MR Gupta
Heterogeneity in Asthma, 2014Springer
Asthma management guidelines aim to improve the implementation of current knowledge
into daily clinical practice by establishing a consensus of scientific practices for the
management of asthma. Initial guidelines were based on consensus of expert opinion in
order to employ a severity-based classification system as a guide to treatment. However,
advances in asthma research led to the development of evidence-based guidelines and a
major paradigm shift to control-based asthma management. Control-based management is …
Abstract
Asthma management guidelines aim to improve the implementation of current knowledge into daily clinical practice by establishing a consensus of scientific practices for the management of asthma. Initial guidelines were based on consensus of expert opinion in order to employ a severity-based classification system as a guide to treatment. However, advances in asthma research led to the development of evidence-based guidelines and a major paradigm shift to control-based asthma management. Control-based management is central to the published guidelines developed by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and The British Thoracic Society (BTS), each one using the same volume of evidence but emphasizing aspects particular to their specific patient populations and socioeconomic needs. This chapter summarizes the evolution of these guidelines and summarizes the key points and evidence used in the recommendations for the assessment, monitoring, and management of asthma in all ages, with particular emphasis on the NHLBI guidelines.
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