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Asthma: diagnosis and management
1University of Missouri School of Medicine-Columbia, USA.
American Family Physician
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Asthma, a chronic airway inflammatory disease affecting millions, is increasingly prevalent. Effective management involves anti-inflammatory drugs, patient education for self-monitoring with peak flow meters, and environmental interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma prevalence is rising in the US, impacting 9-12 million individuals.
- Asthma is characterized as a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways.
- Current pharmacologic treatment primarily relies on anti-inflammatory medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding and management strategies for asthma.
- To highlight the importance of patient education and environmental control.
- To mention emerging therapeutic targets in asthma research.
Main Methods:
- Review of current asthma management principles.
- Emphasis on patient education and self-monitoring tools like peak flow meters.
- Discussion of environmental interventions and their impact.
Main Results:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs are central to asthma pharmacotherapy.
- Patient education and self-monitoring can significantly improve asthma control.
- Environmental interventions are crucial and can reduce symptoms and medication needs.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive asthma management requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Future research focuses on novel "antimediator" agents based on improved pathophysiology understanding.
- Integrated strategies including medication, education, and environmental control are key for managing increasing asthma rates.