Stepwise Therapy for Asthma |
Goal
- Minimal symptoms and no limitations on usually activities
- No daily Albuterol inhaler use and less than one canister per month
- Less than 2 nocturnal awakenings a month for asthma
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Therapy |
| Step 1 |
Symptoms require Albuterol less than 2 days per week and less than 2 nights per month |
As needed Albuterol |
| Step 2 |
Symptoms requiring Albuterol more than twice per week but less than one a day or symptoms more than twice per month at night |
Low dose inhaled steroids
As needed Albuterol
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| Step 3 |
Symptoms requiring Albuterol on most days or symptoms more than once a week at night |
Low to medium dose inhaled steroids and long acting B2 agonist |
| Step 4 |
Symptoms requiring Albuterol multiple times a day or Symptoms on most nights requiring Albuterol (PEF< 60% of personal best) |
High dose inhaled steroids and long lasting B2 agonist (steroid tablets if needed) |
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Use of Albuterol more than twice a week represents more than one Albuterol inhaler every 8 months. If using more than one Albuterol every 8 months then NIH recommends daily-inhaled steroids. |
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| Starcare and its pharmacy partner, Ala-Gap Pharmacy Network, is developing this program to promote quality asthma care. |
Starcare Network ©
December 12, 2002
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