Discussing the COSTS of asthma: controlling outcomes, symptoms, and treatment strategies

Asthma is a very common chronic disease characterized by clinically recurrent episodes of wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, and coughing. Both genetic and environmental factors appear to play major roles in the etiology of asthma. The economic and social costs of asthma are varied and far reaching. Patients suffer a significant decline in quality of life, and managed care organizations have become increasingly aware of its impact on health care expenditures. This article explores current treatment therapies for asthma, the challenges of managing asthma effectively, and strategies for improving outcomes in patients with asthma.