Adult asthma: Diagnosis and treatment
Adult asthma: Diagnosis and treatment Abstract: Adult asthma is a prevalent chronic medical condition that is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. Early identifi cation, evidence-based diagnosis, and step-wise management can lead to improvements in patient outcomes, decrease exacerbations, and eliminate respiratory function decline as the patient ages. Keywords: adult asthma, airway infl ammation, airway obstruction, allergens, asthma, asthma exacerbations, bronchial provocation, peak expiratory fl ow, respiratory conditions, spirometry 16 The Nurse Practitioner • Vol. 42, No. 11 www.tnpj.com Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. John Bavosi / Science Photo Library Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. 18 The Nurse Practitioner • Vol. 42, No. 11 www.tnpj.com Adult asthma: Diagnosis and treatment or school.5 Additional cost is attributed to decreased work productivity, increased number of sick days, and higher unemployment.5,9 Given the prevalence of asthma and its burden on morbidity, mortality, cost, productivity, and potential adverse reactions, it is important for the PCP to use current evidence to develop adult treatment plans. Two comprehensive reports are available to help PCPs improve assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with asthma: the 2007 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Expert Panel Report and the 2017 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention.
