Table 3.
Stepwise Management of Chronic Asthma9
| Initial Severity | Preferred | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Intermittent | SABA as needed | - |
| Step 2: Mild | Low-dose ICS | - |
| Step 3: Moderate | Medium-dose ICS or Low-dose ICS + LABA |
Low-dose ICS + LTRA |
| Step 4: Severe | Medium-dose ICS + LABA | Medium-dose ICS + LTRA |
| Step 5: Severe | High-dose ICS + LABA Consider oral steroids |
Medium-dose ICS + LABA + LTRA Consider referral to specialist |
| Step 6: Severe | High-dose ICS + LABA + LTRA | Addition of LTRA Refer to specialist |
Abbreviations: ICS, inhaled corticosteroid; LABA, long-acting beta agonist; LTRA, leukotriene receptor antagonist; SABA, short-acting beta agonist.