Mild-to-severe asthma treatment guidelines
Mild-to-severe asthma treatment guidelines
Recommendations for adult therapy
The following are the therapy/treatment guidelines for managing asthma in adults from Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield in Richmond, VA:
For patients with mild asthma
— Use beta agonist as needed, not to exceed two puffs four times a day.
— Consider using beta-agonist or cromolyn before exercise if exercise-induced asthma occurs.
For patients with moderate asthma
— Use short-acting inhaled beta-agonists prior to steroid inhaler (two to three puffs q6h).
— Use inhaled corticosteroid, two to four puffs q6h (preferred).
— Consider long-acting bronchodilator, especially for nocturnal symptoms.
— Consider oral beta-agonist, cromolyn, or theophylline.
— Consider oral corticosteroid (alternate day or daily dose).
— Consider oral antibiotics as indicated.
For patients with severe asthma
— Use short-acting inhaled beta-agonists prior to steroid inhaler (two to three puffs q6h).
— Use inhaled corticosteroid, two to four puffs (q6h preferred).
— Consider long-acting bronchodilator, especially for nocturnal symptoms.
— Consider oral beta-agonist, cromolyn, or theophylline.
— Consider oral corticosteroid (alternate day or daily dose).
— Consider oral antibiotics as indicated.
— Home nebulizer may be valuable.
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