Reducing asthma morbidity and mortality. Cost containment strategies

1. Asthma is the third leading cause of preventable hospitalization in the United States and has accounted for more than 3 million lost workdays. 2. Understanding the stepwise approach and the medications used to control asthma can reduce exacerbations which can contribute to reduction in costly emergency department visits. 3. Education is the key to controlling asthma. Encouraging effective daily peak flow monitoring, taking medications as directed, avoiding asthmatic triggers, and correctly using prescribed inhalers helps curb the spiraling costs of lost workdays.