TABLE 3.

Asthma subgroups and their stability over time

Subgroup	Treatment	[Ref.]
Atopic/allergic	Avoidance of triggers, ICS, CS, anti-IgE, anti-IL-5, anti-IL-13	[112–114]
Eosinophilic	Avoidance of triggers, ICS, CS, anti-IgE, anti-IL-5, anti-IL-13	[115]
Non-eosinophilic	Macrolides, less likely to respond well to ICS	[116, 117]
ABPA and SAFS	Antifungals	[118, 119]
Churg–Strauss syndrome	Steroids, cyclophosphamide, rituximab	[120, 121]
Exercise-induced asthma	ICS	[122]
Aspirin sensitive	Avoidance of aspirin, leukotriene inhibition	[123]
Occupational	Avoidance of occupational agent	[124]

Aspirin sensitive and occupational subgroups appear to stay the same over time; other subgroups may vary according to treatment or the clinical picture is unclear. In each subgroup, some of the treatment options and relevant references are shown (see text for further details). All have shown either symptomatic improvement, reduction in exacerbations or both. Bronchodilator agents are not listed and should be used in all subgroups when required or other therapies with equal efficacy should be used. ABPA: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; SAFS: severe asthma with fungal sensitisation; ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; CS: corticosteroid; IL: interleukin.