In contrast to the NAEPP guidelines, the GINA guidelines assess the severity of asthma retrospectively on the basis of level of treatment required to control symptoms and exacerbations. Severe asthma is characterized by the need for high-dose ICS/LABA to prevent it from becoming uncontrolled, or asthma that remains uncontrolled despite this treatment.
According to the GINA guidelines, mild asthma is well controlled with as-needed reliever medication alone or with low-intensity controller treatment such as low-dose ICSs, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or chromones. Moderate asthma is well controlled with low-dose ICS/LABA.
Learn more about asthma classification guidelines.
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Cite this: Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Challenges of Severe Asthma - Medscape - Feb 25, 2021.
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