Asthma management in adults. Strategies to minimise morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Fundamental changes to the approach in asthma treatment over recent years have resulted in a reduction in asthma mortality in Australia. However, many factors still contribute to asthma morbidity. OBJECTIVE: This article identifies the preventable causes of difficult asthma and identifies those patients at greatest risk of mortality. Recent changes in the use of long acting beta agonists and inhaled corticosteroids are discussed. DISCUSSION: Morbidity due to asthma and quality of life for asthmatic patients can be improved by: identifying preventable causes of persistent asthma symptoms; reviewing inhaler technique; targeting high risk for more intensive monitoring; familiarity with the drugs used to treat asthma.