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G lobal

   
IN  i'a've  for    
A sthma  
© Global Initiative for Asthma
Burden  of  asthma  
•  Asthma  is  one  of  the  most  common  chronic  diseases  worldwide  
with  an  es'mated  300  million  affected  individuals  
•  Prevalence  is  increasing  in  many  countries,  especially  in  children  
•  Asthma  is  a  major  cause  of  school  and  work  absence  
•  Health  care  expenditure  on  asthma  is  very  high  
–  Developed  economies  might  expect  to  spend  1-­‐2  percent  of  total  
health  care  expenditures  on  asthma.      
–  Developing  economies  likely  to  face  increased  demand  due  to  
increasing  prevalence  of  asthma  
–  Poorly  controlled  asthma  is  expensive  
–  However,  investment  in  preven'on  medica'on  is  likely  to  yield  cost  
savings  in  emergency  care  

GINA  2015  
Prevalence of asthma in children aged
13-14 years

© Global
GINA 2015 Appendix Box A1-1; figure provided by Initiative for Asthma
R Beasley © Global Initiative for Asthma
Definition and diagnosis of
asthma

GINA Global Strategy for Asthma


Management and Prevention 2015
This  slide  set  is  restricted  for  academic  and  educa'onal  purposes  only.    
Use  of  the  slide  set,  or  of  individual  slides,  for  commercial  or  promo'onal  
purposes  requires  approval  from  GINA.    

© Global Initiative for Asthma


What  is  known  about  asthma?  
•  Asthma  is  a  common  and  poten'ally  serious  chronic  
disease  that  can  be  controlled  but  not  cured  
•  Asthma  causes  symptoms  such  as  wheezing,  shortness  of  
breath,  chest  'ghtness  and  cough  that  vary  over  'me  in  
their  occurrence,  frequency  and  intensity  
•  Symptoms  are  associated  with  variable  expiratory  airflow,    
i.e.  difficulty  breathing  air  out  of  the  lungs  due  to    
–  Bronchoconstric'on  (airway  narrowing)  
–  Airway  wall  thickening  
–  Increased  mucus  
•  Symptoms  may  be  triggered  or  worsened  by  factors  such  as  
viral  infec'ons,  allergens,  tobacco  smoke,  exercise  and  
stress  

GINA  2015  
What  is  known  about  asthma?  
•  Asthma  can  be  effec'vely  treated  
•  When  asthma  is  well-­‐controlled,  pa'ents  can  
ü Avoid  troublesome  symptoms  during  the  day  and  night  
ü Need  liVle  or  no  reliever  medica'on  
ü Have  produc've,  physically  ac've  lives  
ü Have  normal  or  near-­‐normal  lung  func'on  
ü Avoid  serious  asthma  flare-­‐ups  (also  called  exacerba'ons,  
or  severe  aVacks)  

GINA  2015  
Defini'on  of  asthma  
Asthma  is  a  heterogeneous  disease,  usually  characterized  by  
chronic  airway  inflamma'on.    
 
It  is  defined  by  the  history  of  respiratory  symptoms  such  as  
wheeze,  shortness  of  breath,  chest  'ghtness  and  cough  that  vary  
over  'me  and  in  intensity,  together  with  variable  expiratory  
airflow  limita'on.  

GINA  2015  
Diagnosis  of  asthma  
•  The  diagnosis  of  asthma  should  be  based  on:  
–  A  history  of  characteris'c  symptom  paVerns    
–  Evidence  of  variable  airflow  limita'on,  from  
bronchodilator  reversibility  tes'ng  or  other  tests    
•  Document  evidence  for  the  diagnosis  in  the  pa'ent’s  
notes,  preferably  before  star'ng  controller  treatment  
–  It  is  o[en  more  difficult  to  confirm  the  diagnosis  a[er  
treatment  has  been  started  
•  Asthma  is  usually  characterized  by  airway  
inflamma'on  and  airway  hyperresponsiveness,  but  
these  are  not  necessary  or  sufficient  to  make  the  
diagnosis  of  asthma.  

GINA  2015  
Patient with
respiratory symptoms
Are the symptoms typical of asthma?

YES

Detailed history/examination
for asthma
History/examination supports
asthma diagnosis?

YES

Perform spirometry/PEF
with reversibility test
Results support asthma diagnosis?

YES

Treat for ASTHMA

GINA 2015, Box 1-1 (1/4) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
Patient with
respiratory symptoms
Are the symptoms typical of asthma?

NO
YES

Detailed history/examination
for asthma
History/examination supports
asthma diagnosis?
Further history and tests for
NO alternative diagnoses
YES Alternative diagnosis confirmed?

Perform spirometry/PEF
with reversibility test
Results support asthma diagnosis?

YES YES

Treat for ASTHMA Treat for alternative diagnosis

GINA 2015, Box 1-1 (2/4) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
Patient with
respiratory symptoms
Are the symptoms typical of asthma?

NO
YES

Detailed history/examination
for asthma
History/examination supports
asthma diagnosis?
Further history and tests for
NO alternative diagnoses
YES Alternative diagnosis confirmed?

Perform spirometry/PEF
with reversibility test
Results support asthma diagnosis?

Repeat on another
NO
occasion or arrange
NO
YES other tests
Confirms asthma diagnosis?

YES NO YES

Consider trial of treatment for


most likely diagnosis, or refer
for further investigations

Treat for ASTHMA Treat for alternative diagnosis

GINA 2015, Box 1-1 (3/4) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
Patient with
respiratory symptoms
Are the symptoms typical of asthma?

NO
YES

Detailed history/examination
for asthma
History/examination supports
asthma diagnosis?
Further history and tests for
NO alternative diagnoses
Clinical urgency, and
YES Alternative diagnosis confirmed?
other diagnoses unlikely

Perform spirometry/PEF
with reversibility test
Results support asthma diagnosis?

Repeat on another
NO
occasion or arrange
NO
YES other tests
Confirms asthma diagnosis?

Empiric treatment with YES NO YES


ICS and prn SABA
Review response
Consider trial of treatment for
Diagnostic testing most likely diagnosis, or refer
within 1-3 months for further investigations

Treat for ASTHMA Treat for alternative diagnosis

GINA 2015, Box 1-1 (4/4) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
Diagnosis  of  asthma  –  symptoms  
•  Increased  probability  that  symptoms  are  due  to  asthma  if:  
–  More  than  one  type  of  symptom  (wheeze,  shortness  of  breath,  cough,  chest  
'ghtness)  
–  Symptoms  o[en  worse  at  night  or  in  the  early  morning  
–  Symptoms  vary  over  'me  and  in  intensity  
–  Symptoms  are  triggered  by  viral  infec'ons,  exercise,  allergen  exposure,  
changes  in  weather,  laughter,  irritants  such  as  car  exhaust  fumes,  smoke,  or  
strong  smells  
•  Decreased  probability  that  symptoms  are  due  to  asthma  if:  
–  Isolated  cough  with  no  other  respiratory  symptoms  
–  Chronic  produc'on  of  sputum  
–  Shortness  of  breath  associated  with  dizziness,  light-­‐headedness  or  peripheral  
'ngling  
–  Chest  pain  
–  Exercise-­‐induced  dyspnea  with  noisy  inspira'on  (stridor)  

GINA  2015  
Diagnosis  of  asthma  –  variable  airflow  
limita'on  
•  Confirm  presence  of  airflow  limita'on  
–  Document  that  FEV1/FVC  is  reduced  (at  least  once,  when  FEV1  is  low)  
–  FEV1/  FVC  ra'o  is  normally  >0.75  –  0.80  in  healthy  adults,  and    
>0.90  in  children  
•  Confirm  varia'on  in  lung  func'on  is  greater  than  in  healthy  individuals  
–  The  greater  the  varia'on,  or  the  more  'mes  varia'on  is  seen,  the  greater  
probability  that  the  diagnosis  is  asthma  
–  Excessive  bronchodilator  reversibility  (adults:  increase  in  FEV1  >12%  and  
>200mL;  children:  increase  >12%  predicted)  
–  Excessive  diurnal  variability  from  1-­‐2  weeks’  twice-­‐daily  PEF  monitoring  (daily  
amplitude  x  100/daily  mean,  averaged)  
–  Significant  increase  in  FEV1  or  PEF  a[er  4  weeks  of  controller  treatment  
–  If  ini'al  tes'ng  is  nega've:  
•  Repeat  when  pa'ent  is  symptoma'c,  or  a[er  withholding  bronchodilators  
•  Refer  for  addi'onal  tests  (especially  children  ≤5  years,  or  the  elderly)  

GINA  2015,  Box  1-­‐2  


Typical spirometric tracings
Volume   Flow  
Normal  

FEV1  
Asthma    
(a[er  BD)  
Normal  
Asthma    
(before  BD)   Asthma    
(a[er  BD)  

Asthma    
(before  BD)  

1   2   3   4   5   Volume  
Time  (seconds)  
Note:    Each  FEV1  represents  the  highest  of  
three  reproducible  measurements  

GINA  2015   © Global Initiative for Asthma


Diagnosis  of  asthma  –  physical  
examina'on  
•  Physical  examina'on  in  people  with  asthma  
–  O[en  normal  
–  The  most  frequent  finding  is  wheezing  on  ausculta'on,  
especially  on  forced  expira'on  
•  Wheezing  is  also  found  in  other  condi'ons,  for  example:  
–  Respiratory  infec'ons  
–  COPD  
–  Upper  airway  dysfunc'on  
–  Endobronchial  obstruc'on    
–  Inhaled  foreign  body  
•  Wheezing  may  be  absent  during  severe  asthma  
exacerba'ons  (‘silent  chest’)  

GINA  2015  
Assessment of asthma

GINA Global Strategy for Asthma


Management and Prevention 2015
This  slide  set  is  restricted  for  academic  and  educa'onal  purposes  only.    
Use  of  the  slide  set,  or  of  individual  slides,  for  commercial  or  promo'onal  
purposes  requires  approval  from  GINA.    

© Global Initiative for Asthma


Assessment  of  asthma  
1.  Asthma  control  -­‐  two  domains  
–  Assess  symptom  control  over  the  last  4  weeks  
–  Assess  risk  factors  for  poor  outcomes,  including  low  lung  
func'on  
2.  Treatment  issues  
–  Check  inhaler  technique  and  adherence  
–  Ask  about  side-­‐effects  
–  Does  the  pa'ent  have  a  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan?  
–  What  are  the  pa'ent’s  aotudes  and  goals  for  their  asthma?  
3.  Comorbidi'es  
–  Think  of  rhinosinusi's,  GERD,  obesity,  obstruc've  sleep  apnea,  
depression,  anxiety  
–  These  may  contribute  to  symptoms  and  poor  quality  of  life  

GINA  2015,  Box  2-­‐1  


GINA assessment of symptom control

A. Symptom control Level  of  asthma  symptom  control  


Well- Partly Uncontrolled
In the past 4 weeks, has the patient had:
controlled controlled
•  Daytime asthma symptoms more
than twice a week?

Yesq Noq
•  Any night waking due to asthma?

Yesq Noq None of 1-2 of 3-4 of


•  Reliever needed for symptoms* these these these
more than twice a week?
*Excludes  reliever  taken  before  exercise,  because  many  people  take  this  rou'nely  

Yesq Noq
This  classifica'on  
•  Any activity limitation is  the  same  as  the  GINA  2010-­‐12  assessment  
due to asthma?
of  ‘current  control’,  except  that  lung  func'on  now  appears  only  
Yesq Noq in  the  assessment  of  risk  factors  

GINA  2015,  Box  2-­‐2A   © Global Initiative for Asthma


GINA assessment of symptom control
Level  of  asthma  symptom  control  

B. Risk factors for poor asthma outcomes

•  Assess risk factors at diagnosis and periodically


•  Measure FEV1 at start of treatment, after 3 to 6 months of treatment to record the patient’s
personal best, then periodically for ongoing risk assessment
ASSESS PATIENT’S RISKS FOR:
•  Exacerbations
•  Fixed airflow limitation
•  Medication side-effects

GINA  2015  Box  2-­‐2B  (1/4)   © Global Initiative for Asthma


Assessment of risk factors for poor asthma
outcomes
Risk factors for exacerbations include:
•  Ever intubated for asthma
•  Uncontrolled asthma symptoms
•  Having ≥1 exacerbation in last 12 months
•  Low FEV1 (measure lung function at start of treatment, at 3-6 months
to assess personal best, and periodically thereafter)
•  Incorrect inhaler technique and/or poor adherence
•  Smoking
•  Obesity, pregnancy, blood eosinophilia

GINA 2015, Box 2-2B (2/4) © Global Initiative for Asthma


Assessment of risk factors for poor asthma
outcomes
Risk factors for exacerbations include:
•  Ever intubated for asthma
•  Uncontrolled asthma symptoms
•  Having ≥1 exacerbation in last 12 months
•  Low FEV1 (measure lung function at start of treatment, at 3-6 months
to assess personal best, and periodically thereafter)
•  Incorrect inhaler technique and/or poor adherence
•  Smoking
•  Obesity, pregnancy, blood eosinophilia
Risk factors for fixed airflow limitation include:
•  No ICS treatment, smoking, occupational exposure, mucus
hypersecretion, blood eosinophilia

GINA 2015, Box 2-2B (3/4) © Global Initiative for Asthma


Assessment of risk factors for poor asthma
outcomes
Risk factors for exacerbations include:
•  Ever intubated for asthma
•  Uncontrolled asthma symptoms
•  Having ≥1 exacerbation in last 12 months
•  Low FEV1 (measure lung function at start of treatment, at 3-6 months
to assess personal best, and periodically thereafter)
•  Incorrect inhaler technique and/or poor adherence
•  Smoking
•  Obesity, pregnancy, blood eosinophilia
Risk factors for fixed airflow limitation include:
•  No ICS treatment, smoking, occupational exposure, mucus
hypersecretion, blood eosinophilia
Risk factors for medication side-effects include:
•  Frequent oral steroids, high dose/potent ICS, P450 inhibitors

GINA 2015, Box 2-2B (4/4) © Global Initiative for Asthma


The  role  of  lung  func'on  in  asthma  
•  Diagnosis  
–  Demonstrate  variable  expiratory  airflow  limita'on  
–  Reconsider  diagnosis  if  symptoms  and  lung  func'on  are  discordant  
•  Frequent  symptoms  but  normal  FEV1:  cardiac  disease;  lack  of  fitness?    
•  Few  symptoms  but  low  FEV1:  poor  percep'on;  restric'on  of  lifestyle?  
•  Risk  assessment  
–  Low  FEV1  is  an  independent  predictor  of  exacerba'on  risk    
•  Monitoring  progress  
–  Measure  lung  func'on  at  diagnosis,  3-­‐6  months  a[er  star'ng  treatment    
(to  iden'fy  personal  best),  and  then  periodically  
–  Consider  long-­‐term  PEF  monitoring  for  pa'ents  with  severe  asthma  or  
impaired  percep'on  of  airflow  limita'on  
•  Adjus'ng  treatment?  
–  U'lity  of  lung  func'on  for  adjus'ng  treatment  is  limited  by  between-­‐visit  
variability  of  FEV1  (15%  year-­‐to-­‐year)  

GINA  2015  
Assessing  asthma  severity  
•  How?  
–  Asthma  severity  is  assessed  retrospec'vely  from  the  level  of  
treatment  required  to  control  symptoms  and  exacerba'ons  
•  When?  
–  Assess  asthma  severity  a[er  pa'ent  has  been  on  controller  treatment  
for  several  months  
–  Severity  is  not  sta'c  –  it  may  change  over  months  or  years,  or  as  
different  treatments  become  available  
•  Categories  of  asthma  severity  
–  Mild  asthma:  well-­‐controlled  with  Steps  1  or  2  (as-­‐needed  SABA  or  low  
dose  ICS)  
–  Moderate  asthma:  well-­‐controlled  with  Step  3  (low-­‐dose  ICS/LABA)  
–  Severe  asthma:  requires  Step  4/5  (moderate  or  high  dose  ICS/LABA  ±  
add-­‐on),  or  remains  uncontrolled  despite  this  treatment  

GINA  2015  
Treating asthma to control
symptoms and minimize risk

GINA Global Strategy for Asthma


Management and Prevention 2015
This  slide  set  is  restricted  for  academic  and  educa'onal  purposes  only.    
Use  of  the  slide  set,  or  of  individual  slides,  for  commercial  or  promo'onal  
purposes  requires  approval  from  GINA.    

© Global Initiative for Asthma


Goals  of  asthma  management  
•  The  long-­‐term  goals  of  asthma  management  are  
1.  Symptom  control:  to  achieve  good  control  of  symptoms  
and  maintain  normal  ac'vity  levels  
2.  Risk  reducAon:  to  minimize  future  risk  of  exacerba'ons,  
fixed  airflow  limita'on  and  medica'on  side-­‐effects  
•  Achieving  these  goals  requires  a  partnership  between  
pa'ent  and  their  health  care  providers  
–  Ask  the  pa'ent  about  their  own  goals  regarding  their  
asthma  
–  Good  communica'on  strategies  are  essen'al  
–  Consider  the  health  care  system,  medica'on  availability,  
cultural  and  personal  preferences  and  health  literacy  

GINA  2015  
Trea'ng  to  control  symptoms  and  
minimize  risk  
•  Establish  a  pa'ent-­‐doctor  partnership  
•  Manage  asthma  in  a  con'nuous  cycle:  
–  Assess  
–  Adjust  treatment  (pharmacological  and    
non-­‐pharmacological)  
–  Review  the  response  
•  Teach  and  reinforce  essen'al  skills  
–  Inhaler  skills  
–  Adherence  
–  Guided  self-­‐management  educa'on  
•  WriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  
•  Self-­‐monitoring  
•  Regular  medical  review  

GINA 2015
The  control-­‐based    asthma  
management  cycle  
Diagnosis
Symptom control & risk factors
(including lung function)
Inhaler technique & adherence
Patient preference

Symptoms
Exacerbations
Side-effects
Patient satisfaction
Lung function

Asthma medications
Non-pharmacological strategies
Treat modifiable risk factors

GINA 2015, Box 3-2


Choosing between controller options –
population-level decisions
Choosing between treatment options at a population level
e.g. national formularies, health maintenance organisations, national guidelines

The  ‘preferred  treatment’  at  each  step  is  based  on:    


§  Efficacy    
based  on  group  mean  data  for  symptoms,  exacerba'ons  and  lung  
§  Effec'veness   func'on  (from  RCTs,  pragma'c  studies  and  observa'onal  data)    
§  Safety  
§  Availability  and  cost  at  the  popula'on  level

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐3  (1/2)  Provided  by  H  Reddel   © Global Initiative for Asthma
Choosing between controller options –
individual patient decisions
Decisions for individual patients
Use  shared  decision-­‐making  with  the  pa'ent/parent/carer  to  discuss  the  following:
1.  Preferred  treatment    for  symptom  control  and  for  risk  reduc'on  
2.  Pa'ent  characteris'cs  (phenotype)  
•  Does  the  pa'ent  have  any  known  predictors  of  risk  or  response?    
(e.g.  smoker,  history  of  exacerba'ons,  blood  eosinophilia)    
3.  Pa'ent  preference  
•  What  are  the  pa'ent’s  goals  and  concerns  for  their  asthma?    
4.  Prac'cal  issues  
•  Inhaler  technique  -­‐  can  the  pa'ent  use  the  device  correctly  a[er  training?  
•  Adherence:  how  o[en  is  the  pa'ent  likely  to  take  the  medica'on?  
•  Cost:  can  the  pa'ent  afford  the  medica'on?    

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐3    (2/2)  Provided  by  H  Reddel   © Global Initiative for Asthma
Ini'al  controller  treatment  for  adults,  
adolescents  and  children  6–11  years  
•  Start  controller  treatment  early  
–  For  best  outcomes,  ini'ate  controller  treatment  as  early  as  possible  a[er  
making  the  diagnosis  of  asthma  
•  Indica'ons  for  regular  low-­‐dose  ICS  -­‐  any  of:  
–  Asthma  symptoms  more  than  twice  a  month  
–  Waking  due  to  asthma  more  than  once  a  month  
–  Any  asthma  symptoms  plus  any  risk  factors  for  exacerba'ons  
•  Consider  star'ng  at  a  higher  step  if:  
–  Troublesome  asthma  symptoms  on  most  days  
–  Waking  from  asthma  once  or  more  a  week,  especially  if  any  risk  factors  for  
exacerba'ons  
•  If  ini'al  asthma  presenta'on  is  with  an  exacerba'on:  
–  Give  a  short  course  of  oral  steroids  and  start  regular  controller  treatment  (e.g.  
high  dose  ICS  or  medium  dose  ICS/LABA,  then  step  down)  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐4  (1/2)  


Ini'al  controller  treatment  
•  Before  star'ng  ini'al  controller  treatment  
–  Record  evidence  for  diagnosis  of  asthma,  if  possible  
–  Record  symptom  control  and  risk  factors,  including  lung  
func'on  
–  Consider  factors  affec'ng  choice  of  treatment  for  this  pa'ent  
–  Ensure  that  the  pa'ent  can  use  the  inhaler  correctly  
–  Schedule  an  appointment  for  a  follow-­‐up  visit  
•  A[er  star'ng  ini'al  controller  treatment  
–  Review  response  a[er  2-­‐3  months,  or  according  to  clinical  
urgency  
–  Adjust  treatment  (including  non-­‐pharmacological  treatments)  
–  Consider  stepping  down  when  asthma  has  been  well-­‐
controlled  for  3  months  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐4  (2/2)  


Stepwise  approach  to  control  asthma  
symptoms    
and  reduce  risk  
Diagnosis
Symptom control & risk factors
(including lung function)
Inhaler technique & adherence
Patient preference

Symptoms
Exacerbations
Asthma medications
Side-effects
Non-pharmacological strategies
Patient satisfaction
Treat modifiable risk factors
Lung function

STEP 5

STEP 4

PREFERRED STEP 3 Refer for


STEP 1 STEP 2 add-on
CONTROLLER
treatment
CHOICE Med/high e.g.
ICS/LABA anti-IgE
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA*

Other
Consider low Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add tiotropium#
controller dose ICS Low dose theophylline* Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS Add low dose
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA OCS
(or + theoph*)

RELIEVER As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or


low dose ICS/formoterol**

• Provide guided self-management education (self-monitoring + written action plan + regular review)
REMEMBER
• Treat modifiable risk factors and comorbidities, e.g. smoking, obesity, anxiety
TO...
• Advise about non-pharmacological therapies and strategies e.g. physical activity, weight loss, avoidance of
sensitizers where appropriate
• Consider stepping up if … uncontrolled symptoms, exacerbations or risks, but check diagnosis, inhaler
technique and adherence first
• Consider stepping down if … symptoms controlled for 3 months + low risk for exacerbations.
Ceasing ICS is not advised.

GINA 2015, Box 3-5 (1/8) © Global Initiative for Asthma


Stepwise  management  -­‐  
pharmacotherapy   Diagnosis
Symptom control & risk factors
(including lung function)
Inhaler technique & adherence
Patient preference

Symptoms
Exacerbations
Side-effects Asthma medications
Patient satisfaction Non-pharmacological strategies
Lung function Treat modifiable risk factors

STEP 5

STEP 4
*For children 6-11 years,
STEP 3 Refer for theophylline is not
PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2 add-on
CONTROLLER recommended, and preferred
CHOICE treatment Step 3 is medium dose ICS
Med/high
e.g. **For patients prescribed BDP/
ICS/LABA
Low dose anti-IgE formoterol or BUD/ formoterol
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA* maintenance and reliever
therapy
Other Consider low Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add # Tiotropium by soft-mist
controller dose ICS Low dose theophylline* Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS tiotropium#
+ LTRA Add low inhaler is indicated as add-on
options (or + theoph*)
(or + theoph*) dose OCS treatment for adults
(≥18 yrs) with a history of
As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or
RELIEVER exacerbations
low dose ICS/formoterol**

GINA 2015, Box 3-5 (2/8) (upper part)


Stepwise  management  –  
addi'onal  components  

• Provide guided self-management education


REMEMBER
• Treat modifiable risk factors and comorbidities
TO...
• Advise about non-pharmacological therapies and strategies
• Consider stepping up if … uncontrolled symptoms, exacerbations or risks,
but check diagnosis, inhaler technique and adherence first
• Consider stepping down if … symptoms controlled for 3 months
+ low risk for exacerbations. Ceasing ICS is not advised.

GINA 2015, Box 3-5 (3/8) (lower part)


Step  1  –  as-­‐needed  inhaled  short-­‐
ac'ng    
beta2-­‐agonist  (SABA)    
STEP 5

STEP 4

STEP 3 Refer for


PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2
CONTROLLER add-on
CHOICE treatment
Med/high e.g.
ICS/LABA anti-IgE
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA*

Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add


Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) tiotropium#
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS
Low dose theophylline* Add low
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*) dose OCS

RELIEVER As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or


low dose ICS/formoterol**

*For children 6-11 years, theophylline is not recommended, and preferred Step 3 is medium dose ICS
**For patients prescribed BDP/formoterol or BUD/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy
# Tiotropium by soft-mist inhaler is indicated as add-on treatment for patients with a history of
exacerbations; it is not indicated in children <18 years.
GINA 2015, Box 3-5, Step 1 (4/8)
Step  1  –  as-­‐needed  reliever  inhaler  
•  Preferred  op'on:  as-­‐needed  inhaled  short-­‐ac'ng  
beta2-­‐agonist  (SABA)  
–  SABAs  are  highly  effec've  for  relief  of  asthma  symptoms  
–  However  ….    there  is  insufficient  evidence  about  the  
safety  of  trea'ng  asthma  with  SABA  alone  
–  This  op'on  should  be  reserved  for  pa'ents  with  
infrequent  symptoms  (less  than  twice  a  month)  of  short  
dura'on,  and  with  no  risk  factors  for  exacerba'ons  
•  Other  op'ons  
–  Consider  adding  regular  low  dose  inhaled  cor'costeroid  
(ICS)  for  pa'ents  at  risk  of  exacerba'ons    

GINA 2015
Step  2  –  low-­‐dose  controller  +  as-­‐
needed    
inhaled  SABA  
STEP 5

STEP 4

STEP 3 Refer for


PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2
CONTROLLER add-on
CHOICE treatment
Med/high e.g.
ICS/LABA anti-IgE
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA*

Other Consider low Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add
tiotropium#
controller dose ICS Low dose theophylline* Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS
options + LTRA Add low
(or + theoph*) dose OCS
(or + theoph*)

RELIEVER As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or


low dose ICS/formoterol**

*For children 6-11 years, theophylline is not recommended, and preferred Step 3 is medium dose ICS
**For patients prescribed BDP/formoterol or BUD/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy
# Tiotropium by soft-mist inhaler is indicated as add-on treatment for patients with a history of
exacerbations; it is not indicated in children <18 years.
GINA 2015, Box 3-5, Step 2 (5/8)
Step  2  –  Low  dose  controller  +  as-­‐
needed  SABA  
•  Preferred  op'on:  regular  low  dose  ICS  with  as-­‐needed  inhaled  SABA  
–  Low  dose  ICS  reduces  symptoms  and  reduces  risk  of  exacerba'ons  and  
asthma-­‐related  hospitaliza'on  and  death  
•  Other  op'ons  
–   Leukotriene  receptor  antagonists  (LTRA)  with  as-­‐needed  SABA  
•  Less  effec've  than  low  dose  ICS  
•  May  be  used  for  some  pa'ents  with  both  asthma  and  allergic  rhini's,  or  if  pa'ent  
will  not  use  ICS    
–  Combina'on  low  dose  ICS/long-­‐ac'ng  beta2-­‐agonist  (LABA)    
with  as-­‐needed  SABA  
•  Reduces  symptoms  and  increases  lung  func'on  compared  with  ICS  
•  More  expensive,  and  does  not  further  reduce  exacerba'ons  
–  IntermiVent  ICS  with  as-­‐needed  SABA  for  purely  seasonal  allergic  asthma  
with  no  interval  symptoms  
•  Start  ICS  immediately  symptoms  commence,  and  con'nue  for    
4  weeks  a[er  pollen  season  ends  

GINA 2015
Step  3  –  one  or  two  controllers  +  
as-­‐needed  inhaled  reliever  
STEP 5

STEP 4

STEP 3 Refer for


PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2
CONTROLLER add-on
CHOICE treatment
Med/high e.g.
ICS/LABA anti-IgE
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA*

Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add


Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) tiotropium#
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS
Low dose theophylline* Add low
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*) dose OCS

RELIEVER As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or


low dose ICS/formoterol**

*For children 6-11 years, theophylline is not recommended, and preferred Step 3 is medium dose ICS
**For patients prescribed BDP/formoterol or BUD/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy
# Tiotropium by soft-mist inhaler is indicated as add-on treatment for patients with a history of
exacerbations; it is not indicated in children <18 years.
GINA 2015, Box 3-5, Step 3 (6/8) © Global Initiative for Asthma
Step  3  –  one  or  two  controllers  +  
as-­‐needed   i
•  Before  considering  step-­‐up  
nhaled   reliever  
–  Check  inhaler  technique  and  adherence,  confirm  diagnosis  
•  Adults/adolescents:  preferred  op'ons  are  either  combina'on  low  dose  ICS/LABA  
maintenance  with  as-­‐needed  SABA,  OR  combina'on  low  dose  ICS/formoterol  
maintenance  and  reliever  regimen*  
–  Adding  LABA  reduces  symptoms  and  exacerba'ons  and  increases  FEV1,  while  allowing  
lower  dose  of  ICS  
–  In  at-­‐risk  pa'ents,  maintenance  and  reliever  regimen  significantly  reduces  exacerba'ons  
with  similar  level  of  symptom  control  and  lower  ICS  doses  compared  with  other  
regimens  
•  Children  6-­‐11  years:  preferred  op'on  is  medium  dose  ICS  with    
as-­‐needed  SABA  
•  Other  op'ons  
–  Adults/adolescents:  Increase  ICS  dose  or  add  LTRA  or  theophylline  (less  effec've  than  
ICS/LABA)  
–  Children  6-­‐11  years  –  add  LABA  (similar  effect  as  increasing  ICS)  

*Approved only for low dose beclometasone/formoterol and low dose budesonide/formoterol
GINA 2015
Step  4  –  two  or  more  controllers  +   UPDATED!

as-­‐needed  inhaled  reliever  


STEP 5

STEP 4

STEP 3 Refer for


PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2
CONTROLLER add-on
CHOICE treatment
Med/high e.g.
ICS/LABA anti-IgE
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA*

Other Consider low Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add
tiotropium#
controller dose ICS Low dose theophylline* Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS
options + LTRA Add low
(or + theoph*) dose OCS
(or + theoph*)

RELIEVER As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or


low dose ICS/formoterol**

*For children 6-11 years, theophylline is not recommended, and preferred Step 3 is medium dose ICS
**For patients prescribed BDP/formoterol or BUD/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy
# Tiotropium by soft-mist inhaler is indicated as add-on treatment for patients with a history of
exacerbations; it is not indicated in children <18 years.
GINA 2015, Box 3-5, Step 4 (7/8) © Global Initiative for Asthma
Step  4  –  two  or  more  controllers  +  
as-­‐needed  inhaled  reliever  
UPDATED!

•  Before  considering  step-­‐up  


–  Check  inhaler  technique  and  adherence  
•  Adults  or  adolescents:  preferred  op'on  is  combina'on  low  
dose  ICS/formoterol  as  maintenance  and  reliever  regimen*,  
OR  
combina'on  medium  dose  ICS/LABA  with  as-­‐needed  SABA  
•  Children  6–11  years:  preferred  op'on  is  to  refer  for  expert  
advice  
•  Other  op'ons  (adults  or  adolescents)  
–  Tiotropium  by  so[-­‐mist  inhaler  may  be  used  as  add-­‐on  therapy  for  
adult  pa'ents  (≥18  years)  with  a  history  of  exacerba'ons    
–  Trial  of  high  dose  combina'on  ICS/LABA,  but  liVle  extra  benefit  
and  increased  risk  of  side-­‐effects  
–  Increase  dosing  frequency  (for  budesonide-­‐containing  inhalers)  
–  Add-­‐on  LTRA  or  low  dose  theophylline  
*Approved only for low dose beclometasone/formoterol and low dose budesonide/formoterol
GINA 2015
Step  5  –  higher  level  care  and/or   UPDATED!

add-­‐on  treatment  
STEP 5

STEP 4

STEP 3 Refer for


PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2
CONTROLLER add-on
CHOICE treatment
Med/high e.g.
ICS/LABA anti-IgE
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA*

Other Consider low Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium# Add
tiotropium#
controller dose ICS Low dose theophylline* Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS
options + LTRA Add low
(or + theoph*) dose OCS
(or + theoph*)

RELIEVER As-needed short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) As-needed SABA or


low dose ICS/formoterol**

*For children 6-11 years, theophylline is not recommended, and preferred Step 3 is medium dose ICS
**For patients prescribed BDP/formoterol or BUD/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy
# Tiotropium by soft-mist inhaler is indicated as add-on treatment for patients with a history of
exacerbations; it is not indicated in children <18 years.

GINA 2015, Box 3-5, Step 5 (8/8)


Step  5  –  higher  level  care  and/or  
add-­‐on   t reatment  
UPDATED!

•  Preferred  op'on  is  referral  for  specialist  inves'ga'on  and  


considera'on  of  add-­‐on  treatment  
–  If  symptoms  uncontrolled  or  exacerba'ons  persist  despite  Step  4  
treatment,  check  inhaler  technique  and  adherence  before  referring  
–  Add-­‐on  omalizumab  (an'-­‐IgE)  is  suggested  for  pa'ents  with  moderate  or  
severe  allergic  asthma  that  is  uncontrolled  on  Step  4  treatment  
•  Other  add-­‐on  treatment  op'ons  at  Step  5  include:  
–  Tiotropium:  for  adults  (≥18  years)  with  a  history  of  exacerba'ons  despite  
Step  4  treatment;  reduces  exacerba'ons  
–  Sputum-­‐guided  treatment:  this  is  available  in  specialized  centers;  reduces  
exacerba'ons  and/or  cor'costeroid  dose  
–  Add-­‐on  low  dose  oral  cor'costeroids  (≤7.5mg/day  prednisone  
equivalent):  this  may  benefit  some  pa'ents,  but  has  significant  systemic  
side-­‐effects.  Assess  and  monitor  for  osteoporosis  
–  See  Severe  Asthma  Guidelines  (Chung  et  al,  ERJ  2014)  for  more  detail  

GINA 2015
Low,  medium  and  high  dose  inhaled  
cor'costeroids    
Adults  and  adolescents  
Inhaled corticosteroid
(≥12  years)  
Total  daily  dose  (mcg)  
Low Medium High

Beclometasone dipropionate (CFC) 200–500 >500–1000 >1000


Beclometasone dipropionate (HFA) 100–200 >200–400 >400
Budesonide (DPI) 200–400 >400–800 >800
Ciclesonide (HFA) 80–160 >160–320 >320
Fluticasone propionate (DPI or HFA) 100–250 >250–500 >500
Mometasone furoate 110–220 >220–440 >440
Triamcinolone acetonide 400–1000 >1000–2000 >2000

– This  is  not  a  table  of  equivalence,  but  of  es'mated  clinical  comparability  
– Most  of  the  clinical  benefit  from  ICS  is  seen  at  low  doses  
– High  doses  are  arbitrary,  but  for  most  ICS  are  those  that,  with  prolonged  use,  are  
associated  with  increased  risk  of  systemic  side-­‐effects  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐6  (1/2)  


Reviewing  response  and  adjus'ng  
treatment  
•  How  o[en  should  asthma  be  reviewed?  
–  1-­‐3  months  a[er  treatment  started,  then  every  3-­‐12  months  
–  During  pregnancy,  every  4-­‐6  weeks  
–  A[er  an  exacerba'on,  within  1  week  
•  Stepping  up  asthma  treatment  
–  Sustained  step-­‐up,  for  at  least  2-­‐3  months  if  asthma  poorly  controlled  
•  Important:  first  check  for  common  causes  (symptoms  not  due  to  asthma,  incorrect  
inhaler  technique,  poor  adherence)  
–  Short-­‐term  step-­‐up,  for  1-­‐2  weeks,  e.g.  with  viral  infec'on  or  allergen  
•  May  be  ini'ated  by  pa'ent  with  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  
–  Day-­‐to-­‐day  adjustment  
•  For  pa'ents  prescribed  low-­‐dose  ICS/formoterol  maintenance  and  reliever  regimen*  
•  Stepping  down  asthma  treatment  
–  Consider  step-­‐down  a[er  good  control  maintained  for  3  months  
–  Find  each  pa'ent’s  minimum  effec've  dose,  that  controls  both  symptoms  and  
exacerba'ons  

*Approved only for low dose beclometasone/formoterol and low dose budesonide/formoterol
GINA  2015  
General  principles  for  stepping  down  
controller  treatment  
•  Aim  
–  To  find  the  lowest  dose  that  controls  symptoms  and  exacerba'ons,  and  minimizes  the  risk  of  
side-­‐effects  
•  When  to  consider  stepping  down  
–  When  symptoms  have  been  well  controlled  and  lung  func'on  stable  for    
≥3  months    
–  No  respiratory  infec'on,  pa'ent  not  travelling,  not  pregnant  
•  Prepare  for  step-­‐down  
–  Record  the  level  of  symptom  control  and  consider  risk  factors  
–  Make  sure  the  pa'ent  has  a  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  
–  Book  a  follow-­‐up  visit  in  1-­‐3  months  
•  Step  down  through  available  formula'ons  
–  Stepping  down  ICS  doses  by  25–50%  at  3  month  intervals  is  feasible  and  safe  for  most  pa'ents  
–  See  GINA  2015  report  Box  3-­‐7  for  specific  step-­‐down  op'ons  
•  Stopping  ICS  is  not  recommended  in  adults  with  asthma  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐7  


Trea'ng  modifiable  risk  factors  
•  Provide  skills  and  support  for  guided  asthma  self-­‐management  
–  This  comprises  self-­‐monitoring  of  symptoms  and/or  PEF,    a  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  and  
regular  medical  review  
•  Prescribe  medica'ons  or  regimen  that  minimize  exacerba'ons  
–  ICS-­‐containing  controller  medica'ons  reduce  risk  of  exacerba'ons  
–  For  pa'ents  with  ≥1  exacerba'ons  in  previous  year,  consider  low-­‐dose  ICS/formoterol  
maintenance  and  reliever  regimen*  
•  Encourage  avoidance  of  tobacco  smoke  (ac've  or  ETS)  
–  Provide  smoking  cessa'on  advice  and  resources  at  every  visit  
•  For  pa'ents  with  severe  asthma  
–  Refer  to  a  specialist  center,  if  available,  for  considera'on  of  add-­‐on  medica'ons  and/or  
sputum-­‐guided  treatment  
•  For  pa'ents  with  confirmed  food  allergy:  
–  Appropriate  food  avoidance  
–  Ensure  availability  of  injectable  epinephrine  for  anaphylaxis  

*Approved only for low dose beclometasone/formoterol and low dose budesonide/formoterol
GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐8  
Non-­‐pharmacological  interven'ons  
•  Avoidance  of  tobacco  smoke  exposure  
–  Provide  advice  and  resources  at  every  visit;  advise  against  exposure  of  children  to  
environmental  tobacco  smoke  (house,  car)  
•  Physical  ac'vity  
–  Encouraged  because  of  its  general  health  benefits.  Provide  advice  about  exercise-­‐induced  
bronchoconstric'on  
•  Occupa'onal  asthma  
–  Ask  pa'ents  with  adult-­‐onset  asthma  about  work  history.  Remove  sensi'zers  as  soon  as  
possible.  Refer  for  expert  advice,  if  available  
•  Avoid  medica'ons  that  may  worsen  asthma  
–  Always  ask  about  asthma  before  prescribing  NSAIDs  or  beta-­‐blockers  
•  (Allergen  avoidance)  
–  (Not  recommended  as  a  general  strategy  for  asthma)  
•  See  GINA  Box  3-­‐9  and  online  Appendix  for  details  

This slide shows examples of interventions with high quality evidence


GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐9  
Indica'ons  for  considering  referral,  
where  available  
•  Difficulty  confirming  the  diagnosis  of  asthma  
–  Symptoms  sugges'ng  chronic  infec'on,  cardiac  disease  etc  
–  Diagnosis  unclear  even  a[er  a  trial  of  treatment  
–  Features  of  both  asthma  and  COPD,  if  in  doubt  about  treatment  
•  Suspected  occupa'onal  asthma  
–  Refer  for  confirmatory  tes'ng,  iden'fica'on  of  sensi'zing  agent,  
advice  about  elimina'ng  exposure,  pharmacological  treatment  
•  Persistent  uncontrolled  asthma  or  frequent  exacerba'ons  
–  Uncontrolled  symptoms  or  ongoing  exacerba'ons  or  low  FEV1  despite  
correct  inhaler  technique  and  good  adherence  with  Step  4  
–  Frequent  asthma-­‐related  health  care  visits  
•  Risk  factors  for  asthma-­‐related  death  
–  Near-­‐fatal  exacerba'on  in  past  
–  Anaphylaxis  or  confirmed  food  allergy  with  asthma  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐10    (1/2)  


Indica'ons  for  considering  referral,  
where  available  
•  Significant  side-­‐effects  (or  risk  of  side-­‐effects)  
–  Significant  systemic  side-­‐effects  
–  Need  for  oral  cor'costeroids  long-­‐term  or  as  frequent  courses  
•  Symptoms  sugges'ng  complica'ons  or  sub-­‐types  of  asthma  
–  Nasal  polyposis  and  reac'ons  to  NSAIDS  (may  be  aspirin  
exacerbated  respiratory  disease)  
–  Chronic  sputum  produc'on,  flee'ng  shadows  on  CXR  (may  be  
allergic  bronchopulmonary  aspergillosis)  
•  Addi'onal  reasons  for  referral  in  children  6-­‐11  years  
–  Doubts  about  diagnosis,  e.g.  symptoms  since  birth  
–  Symptoms  or  exacerba'ons  remain  uncontrolled  
–  Suspected  side-­‐effects  of  treatment,  e.g.  growth  delay  
–  Asthma  with  confirmed  food  allergy  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐10    (2/2)  


Inves'ga'ons  in  pa'ents  with  severe  
asthma  
•  Confirm  the  diagnosis  of  asthma  
–  Consider  alterna've  diagnoses  or  contributors  to  
symptoms,  e.g.  upper  airway  dysfunc'on,  COPD,  recurrent  
respiratory  infec'ons  
•  Inves'gate  for  comorbidi'es  
–  Chronic  sinusi's,  obesity,  GERD,  obstruc've  sleep  apnea,  
psychological  or  psychiatric  disorders  
•  Check  inhaler  technique  and  medica'on  adherence  
•  Inves'gate  for  persistent  environmental  exposure  
–  Allergens  or  toxic  substances  (domes'c  or  occupa'onal)  

GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐14  (1/2)  


Management  of  severe  asthma  
•  Op'mize  dose  of  ICS/LABA  
–  Complete  resistance  to  ICS  is  rare  
–  Consider  therapeu'c  trial  of  higher  dose  
•  Consider  low  dose  maintenance  oral  cor'costeroids  
–  Monitor  for  and  manage  side-­‐effects,  including  osteoporosis  
•  Add-­‐on  treatments  without  phenotyping  
–  Tiotropium  -­‐  reduces  exacerba'ons  (adults  with  history  of  exacerba'ons)  
–  Theophylline,  LTRA  –  limited  benefit  
•  Phenotype-­‐guided  treatment  
–  Sputum-­‐guided  treatment  to  reduce  exacerba'ons  and/or  steroid  dose  
–  Severe  allergic  asthma:  suggest  add-­‐on  an'-­‐IgE  treatment  (omalizumab)  
–  Aspirin-­‐exacerbated  respiratory  disease:  consider  add-­‐on  LTRA  
•  Non-­‐pharmacological  interven'ons  
–  Consider  bronchial  thermoplasty  for  selected  pa'ents  
–  Comprehensive  adherence-­‐promo'ng  program  
•  For  detailed  guidelines,  see  Chung  et  al,  ERJ  2014  
GINA  2015,  Box  3-­‐14  (2/2)  
Asthma flare-ups
(exacerbations)

GINA Global Strategy for Asthma


Management and Prevention 2015
This  slide  set  is  restricted  for  academic  and  educa'onal  purposes  only.    
Use  of  the  slide  set,  or  of  individual  slides,  for  commercial  or  promo'onal  
purposes  requires  approval  from  GINA.    

© Global Initiative for Asthma


Defini'on  and  terminology  
•  A  flare-­‐up  or  exacerba'on  is  an  acute  or  sub-­‐acute  worsening    
of  symptoms  and  lung  func'on  compared  with  the  pa'ent’s  usual  
status  
•  Terminology  
–  ‘Flare-­‐up’  is  the  preferred  term  for  discussion  with  pa'ents  
–  ‘Exacerba'on’  is  a  difficult  term  for  pa'ents  
–  ‘AVack’  has  highly  variable  meanings  for  pa'ents  and  clinicians  
–  ‘Episode’  does  not  convey  clinical  urgency  
•  Consider  management  of  worsening  asthma  as  a  con'nuum  
–  Self-­‐management  with  a  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  
–  Management  in  primary  care  
–  Management  in  the  emergency  department  and  hospital  
–  Follow-­‐up  a[er  any  exacerba'on  

GINA  2015  
Iden'fy  pa'ents  at  risk  of  asthma-­‐
related  death  
•  Pa'ents  at  increased  risk  of  asthma-­‐related  death  should  
be  iden'fied  
–  Any  history  of  near-­‐fatal  asthma  requiring  intuba'on  and  
ven'la'on  
–  Hospitaliza'on  or  emergency  care  for  asthma  in  last  12  months  
–  Not  currently  using  ICS,  or  poor  adherence  with  ICS  
–  Currently  using  or  recently  stopped  using  OCS    
•  (indica'ng  the  severity  of  recent  events)  
–  Over-­‐use  of  SABAs,  especially  if  more  than  1  canister/month  
–  Lack  of  a  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  
–  History  of  psychiatric  disease  or  psychosocial  problems  
–  Confirmed  food  allergy  in  a  pa'ent  with  asthma  
•  Flag  these  pa'ents  for  more  frequent  review  

GINA  2015,  Box  4-­‐1  


WriVen  asthma  ac'on  plans  
•  All  pa'ents  should  have  a  wriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  
–  The  aim  is  to  show  the  pa'ent  how  to  recognize  and  respond  to  
worsening  asthma  
–  It  should  be  individualized  for  the  pa'ent’s  medica'ons,  level  of  
asthma  control  and  health  literacy  
–  Based  on  symptoms  and/or  PEF  (children:  only  symptoms)  
•  The  ac'on  plan  should  include:    
–  The  pa'ent’s  usual  asthma  medica'ons  
–  When/how  to  increase  reliever  and  controller  or  start  OCS  
–  How  to  access  medical  care  if  symptoms  fail  to  respond  
•  Why?    
–  When  combined  with  self-­‐monitoring  and  regular  medical  review,  
ac'on  plans  are  highly  effec've  in  reducing  asthma  mortality  and  
morbidity    

GINA  2015  
WriVen  asthma  ac'on  plans  
Effective asthma self-management education requires:

• Self-monitoring of symptoms and/or lung function If PEF or FEV1


<60% best, or not
• Written asthma action plan improving after
• Regular medical review 48 hours
All patients Continue reliever
Increase reliever Continue controller
Early increase in Add prednisolone
controller as below 40–50 mg/day
Review response Contact doctor

EARLY OR MILD LATE OR SEVERE

GINA 2015, Box 4-2 (1/2)


WriVen  asthma  ac'on  plans  –  
medica'on  op'ons  
•  Increase  inhaled  reliever  
–  Increase  frequency  as  needed  
–  Adding  spacer  for  pMDI  may  be  helpful  
•  Early  and  rapid  increase  in  inhaled  controller  
–  Up  to  maximum  ICS  of  2000mcg  BDP/day  or  equivalent  
–  Op'ons  depend  on  usual  controller  medica'on  and  type  of  
LABA  
–  See  GINA  2015  report  Box  4-­‐2  for  details  
•  Add  oral  cor'costeroids  if  needed  
–  Adults:  prednisolone  1mg/kg/day  up  to  50mg,  usually  5-­‐7  days  
–  Children:  1-­‐2mg/kg/day  up  to  40mg,  usually  3-­‐5  days  
–  Morning  dosing  preferred  to  reduce  side-­‐effects  
–  Tapering  not  needed  if  taken  for  less  than  2  weeks  

GINA  2015,  Box  4-­‐2  (2/2)  


Managing Asthma:
Sample Asthma Action Plan

Describes medicines
to use and actions to
take

National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR 3): Guidelines for the
Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. NIH Publication no. 08-4051, 2007.
Managing  exacerba'ons  in  primary  care  
PRIMARY CARE Patient presents with acute or sub-acute asthma exacerbation

Is it asthma?

ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?


Severity of exacerbation?

MILD or MODERATE SEVERE


Talks in phrases, prefers Talks in words, sits hunched
LIFE-THREATENING
sitting to lying, not agitated forwards, agitated Drowsy, confused
Respiratory rate increased Respiratory rate >30/min or silent chest
Accessory muscles not used Accessory muscles in use
Pulse rate 100–120 bpm Pulse rate >120 bpm
O2 saturation (on air) 90–95% O2 saturation (on air) <90%
PEF >50% predicted or best PEF ≤50% predicted or best URGENT

START TREATMENT
SABA 4–10 puffs by pMDI + spacer, TRANSFER TO ACUTE
repeat every 20 minutes for 1 hour CARE FACILITY
WORSENING
Prednisolone: adults 1 mg/kg, max.
50 mg, children 1–2 mg/kg, max. 40 mg While waiting: give inhaled SABA
and ipratropium bromide, O2,
Controlled oxygen (if available): target systemic corticosteroid
saturation 93–95% (children: 94-98%)

CONTINUE TREATMENT with SABA as needed


WORSENING
ASSESS RESPONSE AT 1 HOUR (or earlier)

IMPROVING

ASSESS FOR DISCHARGE ARRANGE at DISCHARGE


Symptoms improved, not needing SABA Reliever: continue as needed
PEF improving, and >60-80% of personal Controller: start, or step up. Check inhaler
best or predicted technique, adherence
Oxygen saturation >94% room air Prednisolone: continue, usually for 5–7 days
(3-5 days for children)
Resources at home adequate
Follow up: within 2–7 days

FOLLOW UP
Reliever: reduce to as-needed
Controller: continue higher dose for short term (1–2 weeks) or long term (3 months), depending
on background to exacerbation
Risk factors: check and correct modifiable risk factors that may have contributed to exacerbation,
including inhaler technique and adherence
Action plan: Is it understood? Was it used appropriately? Does it need modification?

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (1/7)


PRIMARY CARE Patient presents with acute or sub-acute asthma exacerbation

Is it asthma?
ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?
Severity of exacerbation?

LIFE-THREATENING
Drowsy, confused
or silent chest

URGENT

TRANSFER TO ACUTE
CARE FACILITY
While waiting: give inhaled SABA and
ipratropium bromide, O2, systemic
corticosteroid

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (2/7) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
PRIMARY CARE Patient presents with acute or sub-acute asthma exacerbation

Is it asthma?
ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?
Severity of exacerbation?

MILD or MODERATE SEVERE


Talks in phrases, prefers Talks in words, sits hunched LIFE-THREATENING
sitting to lying, not agitated forwards, agitated Drowsy, confused
Respiratory rate increased Respiratory rate >30/min or silent chest
Accessory muscles not used Accessory muscles in use
Pulse rate 100–120 bpm Pulse rate >120 bpm
O2 saturation (on air) 90–95% O2 saturation (on air) <90%
PEF >50% predicted or best PEF ≤50% predicted or best URGENT

TRANSFER TO ACUTE
CARE FACILITY
While waiting: give inhaled SABA and
ipratropium bromide, O2, systemic
corticosteroid

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (3/7) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
PRIMARY CARE Patient presents with acute or sub-acute asthma exacerbation

Is it asthma?
ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?
Severity of exacerbation?

MILD or MODERATE SEVERE


Talks in phrases, prefers Talks in words, sits hunched LIFE-THREATENING
sitting to lying, not agitated forwards, agitated Drowsy, confused
Respiratory rate increased Respiratory rate >30/min or silent chest
Accessory muscles not used Accessory muscles in use
Pulse rate 100–120 bpm Pulse rate >120 bpm
O2 saturation (on air) 90–95% O2 saturation (on air) <90%
PEF >50% predicted or best PEF ≤50% predicted or best URGENT

START TREATMENT
SABA 4–10 puffs by pMDI + spacer,
TRANSFER TO ACUTE
repeat every 20 minutes for 1 hour CARE FACILITY
WORSENING While waiting: give inhaled SABA and
Prednisolone: adults 1 mg/kg, max.
50 mg, children 1–2 mg/kg, max. 40 mg ipratropium bromide, O2, systemic
Controlled oxygen (if available): target corticosteroid
saturation 93–95% (children: 94-98%)

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (4/7) ©


© Global
Global Initiative
Initiative for
for Asthma
Asthma
START TREATMENT
SABA 4–10 puffs by pMDI + spacer, TRANSFER TO ACUTE
repeat every 20 minutes for 1 hour CARE FACILITY
Prednisolone: adults 1 mg/kg, max. WORSENING
While waiting: give inhaled SABA and
50 mg, children 1–2 mg/kg, max. 40 mg ipratropium bromide, O2, systemic
Controlled oxygen (if available): target corticosteroid
saturation 93–95% (children: 94-98%)

CONTINUE TREATMENT with SABA as needed


WORSENING
ASSESS RESPONSE AT 1 HOUR (or earlier)

IMPROVING

ASSESS FOR DISCHARGE


Symptoms improved, not needing SABA
PEF improving, and >60-80% of personal
best or predicted
Oxygen saturation >94% room air
Resources at home adequate

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (5/7) © Global Initiative for Asthma


START TREATMENT
SABA 4–10 puffs by pMDI + spacer, TRANSFER TO ACUTE
repeat every 20 minutes for 1 hour CARE FACILITY
Prednisolone: adults 1 mg/kg, max. WORSENING
While waiting: give inhaled SABA and
50 mg, children 1–2 mg/kg, max. 40 mg ipratropium bromide, O2, systemic
Controlled oxygen (if available): target corticosteroid
saturation 93–95% (children: 94-98%)

CONTINUE TREATMENT with SABA as needed


WORSENING
ASSESS RESPONSE AT 1 HOUR (or earlier)

IMPROVING

ASSESS FOR DISCHARGE ARRANGE at DISCHARGE


Symptoms improved, not needing SABA Reliever: continue as needed
PEF improving, and >60-80% of personal Controller: start, or step up. Check inhaler technique,
best or predicted adherence
Oxygen saturation >94% room air Prednisolone: continue, usually for 5–7 days
Resources at home adequate (3-5 days for children)
Follow up: within 2–7 days

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (6/7) © Global Initiative for Asthma


START TREATMENT
SABA 4–10 puffs by pMDI + spacer, TRANSFER TO ACUTE
repeat every 20 minutes for 1 hour CARE FACILITY
Prednisolone: adults 1 mg/kg, max. WORSENING
While waiting: give inhaled SABA
50 mg, children 1–2 mg/kg, max. 40 mg and ipratropium bromide, O2,
Controlled oxygen (if available): target systemic corticosteroid
saturation 93–95% (children: 94-98%)

CONTINUE TREATMENT with SABA as needed


WORSENING
ASSESS RESPONSE AT 1 HOUR (or earlier)

IMPROVING

ASSESS FOR DISCHARGE ARRANGE at DISCHARGE


Symptoms improved, not needing SABA Reliever: continue as needed
PEF improving, and >60-80% of personal Controller: start, or step up. Check inhaler technique,
best or predicted adherence
Oxygen saturation >94% room air Prednisolone: continue, usually for 5–7 days
Resources at home adequate (3-5 days for children)
Follow up: within 2–7 days

FOLLOW UP
Reliever: reduce to as-needed
Controller: continue higher dose for short term (1–2 weeks) or long term (3 months), depending
on background to exacerbation
Risk factors: check and correct modifiable risk factors that may have contributed to exacerbation,
including inhaler technique and adherence
Action plan: Is it understood? Was it used appropriately? Does it need modification?

GINA 2015, Box 4-3 (7/7) © Global Initiative for Asthma


Managing  exacerba'ons  in  acute  care  seongs  

INITIAL ASSESSMENT Are any of the following present?


A: airway B: breathing C: circulation Drowsiness, Confusion, Silent chest

NO
YES

Further TRIAGE BY CLINICAL STATUS Consult ICU, start SABA and O2,
according to worst feature and prepare patient for intubation

MILD or MODERATE SEVERE


Talks in phrases Talks in words
Prefers sitting to lying Sits hunched forwards
Not agitated Agitated
Respiratory rate increased Respiratory rate >30/min
Accessory muscles not used Accessory muscles being used
Pulse rate 100–120 bpm Pulse rate >120 bpm
O2 saturation (on air) 90–95% O2 saturation (on air) < 90%
PEF >50% predicted or best PEF ≤50% predicted or best

Short-acting beta2-agonists Short-acting beta2-agonists


Consider ipratropium bromide Ipratropium bromide
Controlled O2 to maintain Controlled O2 to maintain
saturation 93–95% (children 94-98%) saturation 93–95% (children 94-98%)
Oral corticosteroids Oral or IV corticosteroids
Consider IV magnesium
Consider high dose ICS

If continuing deterioration, treat as


severe and re-aassess for ICU

ASSESS CLINICAL PROGRESS FREQUENTLY


MEASURE LUNG FUNCTION
in all patients one hour after initial treatment

FEV1 or PEF 60-80% of predicted or FEV1 or PEF <60% of predicted or


personal best and symptoms improved personal best,or lack of clinical response
SEVERE
MODERATE
Continue treatment as above
Consider for discharge planning and reassess frequently

GINA 2015, Box 4-4 (1/4)


INITIAL ASSESSMENT Are any of the following present?
A: airway B: breathing C: circulation Drowsiness, Confusion, Silent chest

NO
YES

Further TRIAGE BY CLINICAL STATUS Consult ICU, start SABA and O2,
according to worst feature and prepare patient for intubation

MILD or MODERATE SEVERE


Talks in phrases Talks in words
Prefers sitting to lying Sits hunched forwards
Not agitated Agitated
Respiratory rate increased Respiratory rate >30/min
Accessory muscles not used Accessory muscles being used
Pulse rate 100–120 bpm Pulse rate >120 bpm
O2 saturation (on air) 90–95% O2 saturation (on air) < 90%
PEF >50% predicted or best PEF ≤50% predicted or best

GINA 2015, Box 4-4 (2/4) © Global Initiative for Asthma


MILD or MODERATE SEVERE
Talks in phrases Talks in words
Prefers sitting to lying Sits hunched forwards
Not agitated Agitated
Respiratory rate increased Respiratory rate >30/min
Accessory muscles not used Accessory muscles being used
Pulse rate 100–120 bpm Pulse rate >120 bpm
O2 saturation (on air) 90–95% O2 saturation (on air) < 90%
PEF >50% predicted or best PEF ≤50% predicted or best

Short-acting beta2-agonists Short-acting beta2-agonists


Consider ipratropium bromide Ipratropium bromide
Controlled O2 to maintain Controlled O2 to maintain
saturation 93–95% (children 94-98%) saturation 93–95% (children 94-98%)
Oral corticosteroids Oral or IV corticosteroids
Consider IV magnesium
Consider high dose ICS

GINA 2015, Box 4-4 (3/4)


Short-acting beta2-agonists Short-acting beta2-agonists
Consider ipratropium bromide Ipratropium bromide
Controlled O2 to maintain Controlled O2 to maintain
saturation 93–95% (children 94-98%) saturation 93–95% (children 94-98%)
Oral corticosteroids Oral or IV corticosteroids
Consider IV magnesium
Consider high dose ICS

If continuing deterioration, treat as


severe and re-assess for ICU

ASSESS CLINICAL PROGRESS FREQUENTLY


MEASURE LUNG FUNCTION
in all patients one hour after initial treatment

FEV1 or PEF <60% of predicted or


FEV1 or PEF 60-80% of predicted or
personal best,or lack of clinical response
personal best and symptoms improved
SEVERE
MODERATE
Continue treatment as above
Consider for discharge planning
and reassess frequently

GINA 2015, Box 4-4 (4/4) © Global Initiative for Asthma


Follow-­‐up  a[er  an  exacerba'on  
•  Follow  up  all  pa'ents  regularly  a[er  an  exacerba'on,  un'l  
symptoms  and  lung  func'on  return  to  normal  
–  Pa'ents  are  at  increased  risk  during  recovery  from  an  exacerba'on  
•  The  opportunity  
–  Exacerba'ons  o[en  represent  failures  in  chronic  asthma  care,    
and  they  provide  opportuni'es  to  review  the  pa'ent’s  asthma  
management    
•  At  follow-­‐up  visit(s),  check:  
–  The  pa'ent’s  understanding  of  the  cause  of  the  flare-­‐up  
–  Modifiable  risk  factors,  e.g.  smoking  
–  Adherence  with  medica'ons,  and  understanding  of  their  purpose  
–  Inhaler  technique  skills  
–  WriVen  asthma  ac'on  plan  

GINA  2015,  Box  4-­‐5  


Short-­‐acAng  beta2  agonists[edit]  
generic  name  (Trade  Name)  
salbutamol  (albuterol  (US  name),  Ventolin)  
levosalbutamol  (levalbuterol  (US  name),  
Xopenex)  
terbutaline  (Bricanyl)  
pirbuterol  (Maxair)  
procaterol  
clenbuterol  
metaproterenol  (Alupent)  
fenoterol  
bitolterol  mesylate  
ritodrine  
isoprenaline  
Long-­‐acAng  beta2  agonists[edit]  
salmeterol  (Serevent  Diskus)  
formoterol  (Foradil,  Symbicort)  
bambuterol  
clenbuterol  
olodaterol  (Striverdi)  
vilanterol  

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