Allergic Asthma: The Keys to Good Control

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchi, often triggered by respiratory allergens. The good news: with appropriate treatment, 80% of patients can achieve optimal control.

What is Well-Controlled Asthma?

A patient whose asthma is controlled:

• Has no daytime symptoms (or less than twice a week)
• Does not wake up at night due to asthma
• Does not use their rescue bronchodilator more than twice a week
• Has no activity limitations

Treatments

• Maintenance treatment: inhaled corticosteroids (beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone) ± long-acting bronchodilators. To be taken EVERY day, even when feeling well.
• Rescue treatment: rapid-acting bronchodilator (salbutamol). Provides relief in minutes but does not treat inflammation.
• Biotherapies: anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL5 for severe refractory asthma.

Common Mistakes

• Stopping maintenance treatment when feeling well
• Incorrect inhalation technique (60% of patients)
• Failing to identify and avoid trigger allergens
• Ignoring symptoms of poor control

Your doctor should review your inhalation technique at each consultation. A poorly used inhaler is wasted treatment.