Table 5. Control-based approach to the management of asthma.
| ← Reduce | Treatment steps | Increase → | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 |
| Asthma education and environmental control | ||||
| As needed rapid-acting β2-agonist | As needed rapid-acting β2-agonist | |||
| Controller options | Select one | Select one | Medium- or high-dose ICS plus one or more | Add either or both |
| Low-dose ICS | Low-dose ICS plus sustained-release theophylline | Sustained-release theophylline | Oral glucocorticosteroid (lowest dose) | |
| Sustained-release theophylline | Low-dose ICS plus LABA (aerosol) | LABA (aerosol) | Sustained-release theophylline | |
| Medium- or high-dose ICS | Leukotriene modifier | |||
| Low-dose ICS plus leukotriene modifier | ||||
ICS, inhaled corticosteroid; LABA, long-acting β2-agonist.