Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Achieving symptom control in patients with moderate asthma
Nargues A Weir1, Stewart J Levine
1The Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Clinic, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA.
Summary
For moderate persistent asthma in patients over 12, inhaled corticosteroids are key. Adding leukotriene receptor antagonists may be safer than long-acting beta-agonists to improve asthma control.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma severity is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptoms and airflow obstruction.
- Moderate persistent asthma affects individuals over 12 years old, causing daily symptoms, activity limitations, and frequent nocturnal awakenings.
- Spirometry in moderate asthma shows airflow obstruction with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between 60% and 80% of predicted values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the treatment of moderate persistent asthma in adolescents and adults.
- To discuss the role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and add-on therapies for optimal asthma control.
- To address safety concerns regarding long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) and explore alternative treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on moderate persistent asthma management.
- Analysis of treatment guidelines and clinical trial data.
- Discussion of pharmacologic options including ICS, LABA, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), and theophylline.
Main Results:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone of treatment for moderate asthma.
- Adding long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) to ICS improves control but carries safety concerns, including asthma-related death.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) present a potentially safer alternative to LABA as an add-on therapy to ICS.
Conclusions:
- Optimal control of moderate persistent asthma often requires ICS combined with additional controller medications.
- Consideration of LTRA over LABA as initial add-on therapy to ICS may mitigate safety risks.
- Individualized treatment plans, management of comorbidities, and patient education are crucial for effective asthma management and reducing exacerbations.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
First, in...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation