General principles of asthma management: symptom monitoring

The first step in optimal asthma care is identifying and properly diagnosing patients who have asthma then classifying asthma severity carefully and accurately to ensure proper treatment. Objective monitoring of pulmonary function using spirometry and peak flow monitoring, subjective assessment using symptom identification, and physicians' acceptance of National Asthma Education Program's Expert Panel guidelines are needed to diminish the consequences of undertreatment of asthma. Persistent asthma requires continuous long-term controller therapy. Erratic and insufficient use of medication must be addressed. Clinicians should encourage patients to manage their asthma using routine peak flow monitoring and symptom assessment then intervene according to their asthma action plan. These efforts allow patients to take charge of their asthma instead of the asthma taking charge of them.