Asthma and Stepwise Management Asthma is a common disorder that affects around 1 in 13 Americans today (Asthma facts and figures, 2018). Although there is no cure for asthma, the condition can be managed effectively using various methods, including most especially a stepwise approach. The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of long-term control and quick relief treatment options for asthma sufferers and side effects such interventions can cause. In addition, an explanation concerning the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management and how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease is followed by a summary of the research and key findings concerning asthma treatment and management in the conclusion.

Long-term control and quick relief treatment options for asthma patients, as well as the impact these drugs might have on patients

The long-term treatment options for asthma are intended to reduce the inflammation of the airway and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms while quick-relief treatment options such as inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists are intended to relieve the symptoms of asthma as they occur (Asthma treatment, 2018). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred medicine for long-term control of asthma. They're the most effective option for long-term relief of the inflammation and swelling that makes airways sensitive to...

5). In addition, other pharmacological interventions that are commonly used for long-term asthma treatment include Cromolyn in the form of a nebulizer and Omalizumab (anti-IgE) (Asthma symptoms, 2018).
The stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management

While a number of different strategies are available for asthma treatment and management, Arcangelo and Peterson (2013) maintain that the stepwise approach provides the optimal clinical outcomes. A general stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for patients aged 12 years and over is set forth in Table 1 below.

Table 1

Stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Use of a short-acting

beta-agonist

(e.g., albuterol prn)

If used more than 2

days per week

(other than for

exercise) consider

inadequate control

and the need to

step up treatment.

Low-dose

inhaled steroid or leukotriene

blocker or

cromolyn

Low-dose

inhaled steroid +

long-acting beta

agonist or

Medium-dose

inhaled steroid

Medium-dose

inhaled steroid +

long-acting beta

agonist

High-dose…