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Global
GINA 2016 Appendix Box A1-1; figure provided by Initiative for Asthma
R Beasley Global Initiative for Asthma
Burden of asthma
Board of Directors
Chair: J Mark FitzGerald, MD
GINA ASSEMBLY
YES
Detailed history/examination
for asthma
History/examination supports
asthma diagnosis?
YES
Perform spirometry/PEF
with reversibility test
Results support asthma diagnosis?
YES
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
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
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?
FEV1
Asthma
(after BD)
Normal
Asthma
(before BD) Asthma
(after BD)
Asthma
(before BD)
1 2 3 4 5 Volume
Time (seconds)
Note: Each FEV1 represents the highest of
three reproducible measurements
*Excludes reliever taken before exercise, because many people take this routinely
Diagnosis
Demonstrate variable expiratory airflow limitation
Reconsider diagnosis if symptoms and lung function are discordant
Frequent symptoms but normal FEV1: cardiac disease; lack of fitness?
Few symptoms but low FEV1: poor perception; restriction of lifestyle?
Risk assessment
Low FEV1 is an independent predictor of exacerbation risk
Monitoring progress
Measure lung function at diagnosis, 3-6 months after starting treatment
(to identify personal best), and then periodically
Consider long-term PEF monitoring for patients with severe asthma or
impaired perception of airflow limitation
Adjusting treatment?
Utility of lung function for adjusting treatment is limited by between-visit
variability of FEV1 (15% year-to-year)
How?
Asthma severity is assessed retrospectively from the level of
treatment required to control symptoms and exacerbations
When?
Assess asthma severity after patient has been on controller
treatment for several months
Severity is not static 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
Remove potential
risk factors. Assess and
manage comorbidities
Consider treatment
step-up
Refer to a specialist or
severe asthma clinic
Refer to a specialist or
severe asthma clinic
Consider treatment
step-up
Refer to a specialist or
severe asthma clinic
Refer to a specialist or
severe asthma clinic
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 2016, 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 patient/parent/carer to discuss the following:
1. Preferred treatment for symptom control and for risk reduction
2. Patient characteristics (phenotype)
Does the patient have any known predictors of risk or response?
(e.g. smoker, history of exacerbations, blood eosinophilia)
3. Patient preference
What are the patients goals and concerns for their asthma?
4. Practical issues
Inhaler technique - can the patient use the device correctly after training?
Adherence: how often is the patient likely to take the medication?
Cost: can the patient afford the medication?
GINA 2016, Box 3-3 (2/2) Provided by H Reddel Global Initiative for Asthma
Initial controller treatment for adults, adolescents
and children 611 years
Start controller treatment early
For best outcomes, initiate controller treatment as early as possible
after making the diagnosis of asthma
Indications 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 exacerbations
Consider starting 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 exacerbations
If initial asthma presentation is with an exacerbation:
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)
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
Refer for
STEP 3 add-on
PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2 treatment
CONTROLLER e.g.
CHOICE Med/high tiotropium,*
omalizumab,
ICS/LABA mepolizumab*
Low dose
Low dose ICS ICS/LABA**
Other
Consider low Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium* Add low dose
controller dose ICS Low dose theophylline* Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS OCS
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*)
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.
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
GINA 2016, Box 3-5 (2/8) (upper part) Global Initiative for Asthma
Stepwise management additional components
GINA 2016, Box 3-5 (3/8) (lower part) Global Initiative for Asthma
Step 1 as-needed inhaled short-acting
beta2-agonist (SABA)
STEP 5
STEP 4
Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium* Add low
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS dose OCS
Low dose theophylline*
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*)
STEP 5
STEP 4
Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium* Add low
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS dose OCS
Low dose theophylline*
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*)
Preferred option: regular low dose ICS with as-needed inhaled SABA
Low dose ICS reduces symptoms and reduces risk of exacerbations
and asthma-related hospitalization and death
Other options
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) with as-needed SABA
Less effective than low dose ICS
May be used for some patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis, or if
patient will not use ICS
Combination low dose ICS/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA)
with as-needed SABA
Reduces symptoms and increases lung function compared with ICS
More expensive, and does not further reduce exacerbations
Intermittent ICS with as-needed SABA for purely seasonal allergic
asthma with no interval symptoms
Start ICS immediately symptoms commence, and continue for
4 weeks after pollen season ends
STEP 5
STEP 4
Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium* Add low
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS dose OCS
Low dose theophylline*
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*)
*Approved only for low dose beclometasone/formoterol and low dose budesonide/formoterol
GINA 2016 Global Initiative for Asthma
Step 4 two or more controllers + as-needed
inhaled reliever
STEP 5
STEP 4
Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium* Add low
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS dose OCS
Low dose theophylline*
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*)
STEP 5
STEP 4
Other Consider low Med/high dose ICS Add tiotropium* Add low
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
controller dose ICS Low dose ICS+LTRA High dose ICS dose OCS
Low dose theophylline*
options (or + theoph*) + LTRA
(or + theoph*)
GINA 2016, Box 3-5, Step 5 (8/8) Global Initiative for Asthma
Step 5 higher level care and/or add-on
treatment UPDATED!
Choose
Choose an appropriate device before prescribing. Consider medication options,
arthritis, patient skills and cost. For ICS by pMDI, prescribe a spacer
Avoid multiple different inhaler types if possible
Choose
Choose an appropriate device before prescribing. Consider medication options,
arthritis, patient skills and cost. For ICS by pMDI, prescribe a spacer
Avoid multiple different inhaler types if possible
Check
Check technique at every opportunity Can you show me how you use your
inhaler at present?
Identify errors with a device-specific checklist
Choose
Choose an appropriate device before prescribing. Consider medication options,
arthritis, patient skills and cost. For ICS by pMDI, prescribe a spacer
Avoid multiple different inhaler types if possible
Check
Check technique at every opportunity Can you show me how you use your
inhaler at present?
Identify errors with a device-specific checklist
Correct
Give a physical demonstration to show how to use the inhaler correctly
Check again (up to 2-3 times)
Re-check inhaler technique frequently, as errors often recur within 4-6 weeks
Choose
Choose an appropriate device before prescribing. Consider medication options,
arthritis, patient skills and cost. For ICS by pMDI, prescribe a spacer
Avoid multiple different inhaler types if possible
Check
Check technique at every opportunity Can you show me how you use your
inhaler at present?
Identify errors with a device-specific checklist
Correct
Give a physical demonstration to show how to use the inhaler correctly
Check again (up to 2-3 times)
Re-check inhaler technique frequently, as errors often recur within 4-6 weeks
Confirm
Can you demonstrate correct technique for the inhalers you prescribe?
Brief inhaler technique training improves asthma control
Poor adherence:
Is very common: it is estimated that 50% of adults and children do not
take controller medications as prescribed
Contributes to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and risk of
exacerbations and asthma-related death
Contributory factors
Unintentional (e.g. forgetfulness, cost, confusion) and/or
Intentional (e.g. no perceived need, fear of side-effects, cultural issues,
cost)
How to identify patients with low adherence:
Ask an empathic question, e.g. Do you find it easier to remember your
medication in the morning or the evening?, or
Would you say you are taking it 3 days a week, or less, or more?
Check prescription date, label date and dose counter
Ask patient about their beliefs and concerns about the medication
Where?
Low-resource settings may be found not only in low and middle income
countries (LMIC), but also in affluent nations
Diagnosis in low-resource settings
Up to 50% asthma undiagnosed, up to 34% over-diagnosed (Jos 2014)
Ask about symptoms suggestive of chronic respiratory infections e.g. TB
Peak flow meters recommended by WHO as essential tools for Package of
Essential Non-communicable Diseases Interventions (WHO-PEN)
Management of asthma in low-resource settings
GINA strategy for stepwise treatment includes options for low-resource
settings
Prioritize the most cost-effective approach; include ICS and SABA
Build capacity of primary health care teams, including nurses and
pharmacist
WHO-PEN recommends inclusion of peak flow meters as essential tools,
and oximeters if resources permit
Is it asthma?
ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?
Severity of exacerbation?
START TREATMENT
SABA 410 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 12 mg/kg, max. 40 mg While waiting: give inhaled
SABA and ipratropium bromide,
Controlled oxygen (if available): target O2, systemic corticosteroid
saturation 9395% (children: 94-98%)
IMPROVING
FOLLOW UP
Reliever: reduce to as-needed
Controller: continue higher dose for short term (12 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?
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
Is it asthma?
ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?
Severity of exacerbation?
TRANSFER TO ACUTE
CARE FACILITY
While waiting: give inhaled SABA
and ipratropium bromide, O2,
systemic corticosteroid
Is it asthma?
ASSESS the PATIENT Risk factors for asthma-related death?
Severity of exacerbation?
START TREATMENT
TRANSFER TO ACUTE
SABA 410 puffs by pMDI + spacer,
repeat every 20 minutes for 1 hour CARE FACILITY
WORSENING While waiting: give inhaled SABA
Prednisolone: adults 1 mg/kg, max.
50 mg, children 12 mg/kg, max. 40 mg and ipratropium bromide, O2,
Controlled oxygen (if available): target systemic corticosteroid
saturation 9395% (children: 94-98%)
IMPROVING
IMPROVING
IMPROVING
FOLLOW UP
Reliever: reduce to as-needed
Controller: continue higher dose for short term (12 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?
NO
YES
Further TRIAGE BY CLINICAL STATUS Consult ICU, start SABA and O2,
according to worst feature and prepare patient for intubation
NO
YES
Further TRIAGE BY CLINICAL STATUS Consult ICU, start SABA and O2,
according to worst feature and prepare patient for intubation
Asthma
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway
inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze,
shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity,
together with variable expiratory airflow limitation. [GINA 2016]
Asthma
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway
inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze,
shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity,
together with variable expiratory airflow limitation. [GINA 2016]
COPD
COPD is a common preventable and treatable disease, characterized by persistent
airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with enhanced chronic
inflammatory responses in the airways and the lungs to noxious particles or gases.
Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the overall severity in individual patients.
[GOLD 2016]
Asthma
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway
inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze,
shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity,
together with variable expiratory airflow limitation. [GINA 2016]
COPD
COPD is a common preventable and treatable disease, characterized by persistent
airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with enhanced chronic
inflammatory responses in the airways and the lungs to noxious particles or gases.
Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the overall severity in individual patients.
[GOLD 2016]
Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) [a description]
Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) is characterized by persistent airflow
limitation with several features usually associated with asthma and several features
usually associated with COPD. ACOS is therefore identified by the features that it
shares with both asthma and COPD.
A specific definition for ACOS cannot be developed until more evidence is available
about its clinical phenotypes and underlying mechanisms.
GINA 2016, Box 5-1 (3/3) Global Initiative for Asthma
Stepwise approach to diagnosis and
initial treatment
DIAGNOSE CHRONIC AIRWAYS DISEASE
STEP 1
Do symptoms suggest chronic airways disease?
airways disease?
Lung function
(spirometry or peak flow) (FEV1/FVC < 0.7 post-BD)
Lung function between
Normal Abnormal
symptoms
Previous doctor diagnosis of asthma Previous doctor diagnosis of COPD,
2. Syndromic diagnosis of
Past history or family chronic bronchitis or emphysema
history Family history of asthma, and other
allergic conditions (allergic rhinitis or Heavy exposure to risk factor: tobacco
eczema) smoke, biomass fuels
3. Spirometry
bronchodilators or to ICS over weeks
Chest X-ray Normal Severe hyperinflation
NOTE: These features best distinguish between asthma and COPD. Several positive features (3 or more) for either asthma or
COPD suggest that diagnosis. If there are a similar number for both asthma and COPD, consider diagnosis of ACOS
DIAGNOSIS
CONFIDENCE IN
DIAGNOSIS
Asthma
Asthma
Some features
of asthma
Asthma
Features of
both
Could be
ACOS
Some features
of COPD
Possibly
COPD
COPD
COPD
4. Commence initial therapy
STEP 3
PERFORM
Marked
reversible airflow limitation FEV1/FVC < 0.7
post-BD
5. Referral for specialized
(pre-post bronchodilator) or other
SPIROMETRY proof of variable airflow limitation
investigations (if necessary)
STEP 4 Asthma Asthma drugs ICS, and
INITIAL drugs No LABA usually COPD COPD
No LABA monotherapy LABA drugs drugs
TREATMENT*
monotherapy +/or LAMA
*Consult GINA and GOLD documents for recommended treatments.
Lung function Record of variable airflow limitation Record of persistent airflow limitation
(spirometry or peak flow) (FEV1/FVC < 0.7 post-BD)
Lung function between Normal Abnormal
symptoms
Past history or family history Previous doctor diagnosis of asthma Previous doctor diagnosis of COPD,
chronic bronchitis or emphysema
Family history of asthma, and other
allergic conditions (allergic rhinitis or Heavy exposure to risk factor: tobacco
eczema) smoke, biomass fuels
Time course No worsening of symptoms over time. Symptoms slowly worsening over time
Variation in symptoms either (progressive course over years)
seasonally, or from year to year
Rapid-acting bronchodilator treatment
May improve spontaneously or have provides only limited relief
an immediate response to
bronchodilators or to ICS over weeks
GINA
GINA 2016, Box 5-4
2014 Global Initiative for Asthma
Marked
STEP 3 reversible airflow limitation FEV1/FVC < 0.7
PERFORM (pre-post bronchodilator) or other post-BD
SPIROMETRY proof of variable airflow limitation
Diagnosis
Symptom control & risk factors
Inhaler technique & adherence
Parent preference
Symptoms
Exacerbations
Side-effects
Parent satisfaction
Asthma medications
Non-pharmacological strategies
Treat modifiable risk factors
Symptoms
Exacerbations
Side-effects
Asthma medications
Parent satisfaction
Non-pharmacological strategies
Treat modifiable risk factors
STEP 4
STEP 3
PREFERRED STEP 1 STEP 2 Continue
CONTROLLER controller
CHOICE Double & refer for
low dose specialist
Daily low dose ICS ICS assessment
Other Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) Low dose ICS + LTRA Add LTRA
controller Intermittent ICS Inc. ICS
frequency
options Add intermitt ICS
CONSIDER Infrequent Symptom pattern consistent with asthma Asthma diagnosis, and Not well-
viral wheezing and asthma symptoms not well-controlled, or not well-controlled on controlled
THIS STEP FOR and no or few 3 exacerbations per year low dose ICS on double
CHILDREN interval ICS
WITH: symptoms Symptom pattern not consistent with asthma but
wheezing episodes occur frequently, e.g. every
First check diagnosis, inhaler skills,
68 weeks.
adherence, exposures
Give diagnostic trial for 3 months.
ALL CHILDREN
KEY
ISSUES Assess symptom control, future risk, comorbidities
Self-management: education, inhaler skills, written asthma action plan, adherence
Regular review: assess response, adverse events, establish minimal effective treatment
(Where relevant): environmental control for smoke, allergens, indoor/outdoor air pollution
STEP 4
PREFERRED STEP 3
STEP 1 STEP 2 Continue
CONTROLLER
CHOICE controller
Double & refer for
low dose specialist
Daily low dose ICS ICS assessment
Other Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) Low dose ICS + LTRA Add LTRA
controller Intermittent ICS Inc. ICS
frequency
options
Add intermitt ICS
Infrequent Symptom pattern consistent with asthma Asthma diagnosis, and Not well-
CONSIDER
viral wheezing and asthma symptoms not well-controlled, or not well-controlled on controlled
THIS STEP FOR
and no or 3 exacerbations per year low dose ICS on double
CHILDREN WITH:
few interval ICS
Symptom pattern not consistent with asthma but
symptoms First check diagnosis, inhaler skills,
wheezing episodes occur frequently, e.g. every
68 weeks. adherence, exposures
Give diagnostic trial for 3 months.
STEP 4
PREFERRED STEP 3
STEP 1 STEP 2 Continue
CONTROLLER
CHOICE controller
Double & refer for
low dose specialist
Daily low dose ICS ICS assessment
Other Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) Low dose ICS + LTRA Add LTRA
controller Intermittent ICS Inc. ICS
frequency
options
Add intermitt ICS
CONSIDER Infrequent Symptom pattern consistent with asthma Asthma diagnosis, and Not well-
THIS STEP FOR viral wheezing and asthma symptoms not well-controlled, or not well-controlled on controlled
CHILDREN WITH: and no or 3 exacerbations per year low dose ICS on double
few interval ICS
Symptom pattern not consistent with asthma but
symptoms
wheezing episodes occur frequently, e.g. every First check diagnosis, inhaler skills,
68 weeks. adherence, exposures
Give diagnostic trial for 3 months.
STEP 4
PREFERRED STEP 3
STEP 1 STEP 2 Continue
CONTROLLER
CHOICE controller
Double & refer for
low dose specialist
Daily low dose ICS ICS assessment
Other Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) Low dose ICS + LTRA Add LTRA
Intermittent ICS Inc. ICS
controller
frequency
options Add intermitt ICS
Infrequent Symptom pattern consistent with asthma Asthma diagnosis, and Not well-
CONSIDER
viral wheezing and asthma symptoms not well-controlled, or not well-controlled on controlled
THIS STEP FOR and no or 3 exacerbations per year low dose ICS on double
CHILDREN WITH: few interval ICS
Symptom pattern not consistent with asthma but
symptoms
wheezing episodes occur frequently, e.g. every
68 weeks. First check diagnosis, inhaler skills,
Give diagnostic trial for 3 months. adherence, exposures
STEP 4
PREFERRED STEP 3
STEP 1 STEP 2 Continue
CONTROLLER
CHOICE controller
Double & refer for
low dose specialist
Daily low dose ICS ICS assessment
Other Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) Low dose ICS + LTRA Add LTRA
Intermittent ICS Inc. ICS
controller
frequency
options Add intermitt ICS
Infrequent Symptom pattern consistent with asthma Asthma diagnosis, and Not well-
CONSIDER
viral wheezing and asthma symptoms not well-controlled, or not well-controlled on controlled
THIS STEP FOR and no or 3 exacerbations per year low dose ICS on double
CHILDREN WITH: few interval ICS
Symptom pattern not consistent with asthma but
symptoms
wheezing episodes occur frequently, e.g. every
68 weeks. First check diagnosis, inhaler skills,
Give diagnostic trial for 3 months. adherence, exposures
STEP 4
PREFERRED STEP 3
STEP 1 STEP 2 Continue
CONTROLLER
CHOICE controller
Double & refer for
low dose specialist
Daily low dose ICS ICS assessment
Other Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) Low dose ICS + LTRA Add LTRA
Intermittent ICS Inc. ICS
controller frequency
options Add intermitt ICS
Infrequent Symptom pattern consistent with asthma Asthma diagnosis, and Not well-
CONSIDER
viral wheezing and asthma symptoms not well-controlled, or not well-controlled on controlled
THIS STEP FOR and no or 3 exacerbations per year low dose ICS on double
CHILDREN WITH: few interval ICS
Symptom pattern not consistent with asthma but
symptoms
wheezing episodes occur frequently, e.g. every
68 weeks. First check diagnosis, inhaler skills,
Give diagnostic trial for 3 months. adherence, exposures
GINA
GINA2016, Box6-6
2016, Box 6-6 Global Initiative for Asthma
Choosing an inhaler device for children 5 years
GINA
GINA2016, Box6-7
2016, Box 6-6 Global Initiative for Asthma
Primary care management of acute asthma or
wheezing in pre-schoolers
IMPROVING
DISCHARGE/FOLLOW-UP PLANNING
Ensure that resources at home are adequate.
Reliever: continue as needed
Controller: consider need for, or adjustment of, regular controller
Check inhaler technique and adherence
Follow up: within 1-7 days
Provide and explain action plan
FOLLOW UP VISIT
Reliever: Reduce to as-needed
Controller: Continue or adjust depending on cause of exacerbation, and duration of need for extra salbutamol
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?
Schedule next follow up visit
*Normal respiratory rates (breaths/minute): 0-2 months: <60; 2-12 months: <50; 1-5 yrs: <40
GINA 2016, Box 6-10 Global Initiative for Asthma
Initial management of asthma exacerbations
in children 5 years