Clinical practice guidelines on bronchial asthma in adults

Effective management of asthma requires a partnership between the patient and the health care provider. This depends on the patient having a good understanding of the disease and its management. As the level of literacy is widely variable in India, patient education methods may have to be tailored according to the patient's ability to understand. In any case, patients with asthma should be able to a) Understand that asthma is a chronic disease requiring prolonged treatment b) Understand that treatment for asthma should be continued even when symptoms have abated c) Understand that control of asthma needs to be assessed by using objective methods periodically e.g. PEFR measurement d) Recognise when asthma control is deteriorating e) Take appropriate steps when asthma control deteriorates f) Understand the basic nature of the drugs they need to take e.g. preventers, relievers, and protectors g) Recognise the advantages of the inhaled route over the oral route h) Take steps to avoid "triggers" which can aggravate or precipitate an asthma attack. Patients who are more literate can be instructed further on drug interactions, safety, efficacy and side effects of steroids as well as the influence of other diseases on asthma and its treatment.