Abstract: . . .  previous severe exacerbations Use of short-acting beta 2 -agonists >2 times a week in intermittent asthma (daily or increasing use in persistent asthma ) may indicate the need to initiate (increase) long-term-control therapy. Note The stepwise approach is intended to assist, not replace, the clinical decisionmaking required to meet individual patient needs. Classify severity: assign patient to most severe step in which any feature occurs. There are very few studies on asthma therapy for infants. Gain control as quickly as possible (a course of short systemic corticosteroids may be required); then step down to the least medication neces- . . .
. . .  implementing comprehensive asthma disease management programs. Making a Difference in the Management of Asthma : A Guide for Respiratory Therapists will provide valuable assistance in achieving both goals. I challenge all of you to not only read this guide, but also to bring the concepts to life in your practices. RTs can make a difference in asthma management if they apply the principles of this guide. It is based upon the latest scientific findings and clinical practice recommendations for asthma . Please put it to work. Sincerely, Sam P. Giordano, M.B.A., R.R.T., F.A.A.R.C. Executive Director American Association for Respiratory Care Letter . . .
. . .  reliably indicate the severity of an exacerbation than do the subjective measures of reported symptoms. Home Treatment Starting treatment at home for asthma exacerbations allows for early treatment. Early treatment is the best strategy for management of an asthma exacerbation. Basic tenets of early treatment include the following: Preparing a written action plan to guide patient self-management, especially for patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma and any patient with a history of severe exacerbations. Recognizing signs of wors . . .
. . .  measures of reported symptoms. Home Treatment Starting treatment at home for asthma exacerbations allows for early treatment. Early treatment is the best strategy for management of an asthma exacerbation. Basic tenets of early treatment include the following: Preparing a written action plan to guide patient self-management, especially for patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma and any patient with a history of severe exacerbations. Recognizing signs of wors . . .
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