Table 1.

Treatment of asthma in adults and children older than 5 years^*

Step	Long-term control	Quick relief
Step 4: Severe persistent	Anti-inflammatory drug: inhaled corticosteroid (high dose) and Long-acting bronchodilator: salmeterol xinafoate, theophylline, or long-acting bronchodilator tablets and Oral corticosteroids, 2 mg/kg/d	Short-acting bronchodilator: inhaled β2-agonists as needed
Step 3: Moderate persistent	Anti-inflammatory drug: inhaled corticosteroid (medium dose) or Inhaled corticosteroid (low to medium dose) plus salmeterol, theophylline, or long-acting β2-agonist tablets	Short-acting bronchodilator: inhaled β2-agonists as needed. If using >2 × /wk, consider increasing to the next step
Step 2: Mild persistent	Anti-inflammatory drug: inhaled corticosteroids (low dose) or mast cell stabilizer Theophylline and leukotriene inhibitors are alternatives	Short-acting bronchodilator: inhaled β2-agonists as needed. If using >2 × /wk, consider increasing to the next step
Step 1: Mild intermittent	No daily medication	Short-acting bronchodilator: inhaled β2-agonists as needed. If using >2 × /wk, consider increasing to the next step

^*From the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program.³