Table 5.

The long-term goals of asthma management

Control asthma symptoms (cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath) Infrequent and minimal use (≤2 days a week) of reliever therapy Maintain (near) normal pulmonary function Maintain normal exercise and physical activity levels Prevent recurrent exacerbations of asthma, and minimize the need for emergency room visits or hospitalizations Optimize asthma control with the minimal dose of medications Reduce mortality Optimize quality of life