Table 2.

Treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 5 years and younger^*

Step	Long-term control	Quick relief
Step 4: Severe persistent	Anti-inflammatory drug: inhaled corticosteroids (high dose) Oral corticosteroids, 2 mg/kg/d, if needed	Short-acting bronchodilator: β2-agonists as needed (inhaled or oral)
Step 3: Moderate persistent	Anti-inflammatory drug: inhaled corticosteroid (medium dose) with or without nedocromil sodium or theophylline	Short-acting bronchodilator: β2-agonists as needed (inhaled or oral). If using >2 × /wk, consider increasing to the next step
Step 2: Mild persistent	Anti-inflammatory drug: mast cell stabilizer or inhaled corticosteroids (low dose)	Short-acting bronchodilator: β2-agonists as needed (inhaled or oral). If using >2 × /wk, consider increasing to the next step
Step 1: Mild intermittent	No daily medicines needed	Short-acting bronchodilator: β2-agonists as needed (inhaled or oral). If using >2 × /wk, consider increasing to the next step

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