Asthma: diagnosis and management

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of asthma continue to be of critical importance, as recent trends have demonstrated its increasing prevalence, morbidity, and perhaps mortality. Because current treatments for asthma are effective and safe, it is important to diagnose asthma early and to use treatments effectively, particularly those directed toward airway inflammation. The diagnostic measures and array of medications, both those currently available and on the horizon, provide an armamentarium for effective diagnosis, management, and monitoring of asthma. In the coming years, it is expected that additional testing modalities will be available for more precise monitoring of asthma control, and an increased understanding of pharmacogenetics will enable the tailoring of asthma medications to specific patients, providing customized therapy to maximize asthma control.