ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN GENERAL-PRACTICE

Objective: To provide guidelines for management of asthma in general p ractice.Data sources: Selected articles, particularly those relating t o general practice. Conclusion: Better management of asthma requires s trategies for dealing with long-term management as well as acute attac ks. Planning such strategies and implementing personal management plan s for each patient requires assessment of asthma severity; determinati on and maintenance of best achievable lung function, with avoidance of trigger factors, regular monitoring, and appropriate drug therapy; a written self-management plan as a basis for patient and family educati on; and regular review.