NIH Asthma Update 2007
Key Differences from 2002 Report

Initial Assessment – Classify severity to initiate control
Frequent Monitoring – Assess control on an ongoing basis and adjust therapy as necessary
Severity – The intrinsic intensity of the disease process (ideally measured at initial presentation)
Control – The degree to which the manifestations of asthma are minimized and goals of therapy are met
Both severity and control have 2 domains:
Impairment – frequency and intensity of symptoms and functional limitations the patient is experiencing
Risk – likelihood of either asthma exacerbations, progressive decline in lung function or risk of adverse events

Goals of Asthma Control:


• Reduce impairment:
• Prevent chronic symptoms
• Require infrequent use of inhaled SABA (less than 1x/wk)
• Maintain “normal” pulmonary function
• Maintain normal activity levels
• Meet patients’ and families’ expectations of asthma care

Reduce risk:


• Prevent recurrent exacerbations and minimize need for ED visits
• Prevent progressive loss of lung function
• Provide optimal pharmacotherapy with minimal or no adverse side effects
• Periodic assessments (every 1-6 months) and ongoing monitoring of asthma control