Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma

[See ED and inpatient management of asthma algorithm]

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Source: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Diagnosis and management of asthma. Bloomington (MN): Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI); 2008 Jan. 69 p. Diagnosis and Management of Asthma Patient presents with symptoms of asthma. A Establish diagnosis of asthma and determine level of severity. A Previous diagnosis of asthma? A Acute asthma exacerbation? A Assess severity of asthma exacerbation. A Does patient need ED or inpatient management? A See ED and inpatient management of asthma algorithm Evaluation: *Medical history. *Use of validated questionnaire. *Assess asthma triggers. *Physical examination. *Measure lung function. *Consider consultation and/or allergy testing. A Management of asthma exacerbation: *Beta2-agonists. *Corticosteroids. A Assess response to treatment. A Determine level of asthma control. A Step care of pharmacologic treatment. A Does patient need ED or inpatient asthma management? A Asthma education: *Basic facts about asthma. *How medications work. *Inhaler technique. *Written action plan based on home peak flow rate monitoring or symptom diary. *Environmental control measures. *Emphasize need for regular follow-up visits. A Schedule regular follow-up visits. A A = Annotation All copyrights are reserved by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, Inc.