Primary Care Management of Patients With Asthma

There has been little improvement in the impact of asthma on patient morbidity and limitations on activity over the past decade, indicating the need for better utilization of existing therapies and improved patient self-management. This CME supplement discusses the role of small-airway inflammation in asthma and its possible relevance in the selection of anti-inflammatory therapy. While anti-inflammatory therapy is the mainstay of treatment for persistent asthma, long-acting ß-agonists (LABAs) are often used inappropriately, which has caused the FDA to take several actions due to safety concerns. While some of these actions have been questioned as inconsistent with current evidence-based guidelines, patient self-management should be reinforced at each patient visit and supported by a written asthma action plan.