This overview topic presents the components and goals of asthma
management. It is applicable to both children and adults. The
information herein is consistent with "The National Asthma
Education and Prevention Program: Expert Panel Report 3,
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma – Full
Report 2007" . Similar guidelines have been published by the
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) . The diagnosis of asthma
and more detailed management issues are reviewed elsewhere. (See
"Diagnosis of asthma in adolescents and adults" and "Chronic
asthma in children younger than 12 years: Evaluation and
diagnosis" and "Chronic asthma in children younger than 12
years: Controller medications" and "Treatment of intermittent
and mild persistent asthma in adolescents and adults" and
"Treatment of moderate persistent asthma in adolescents and
adults".) COMPONENTS OF ASTHMA MANAGEMENT The successful
management of patients with asthma includes four essential
components: - Routine monitoring of symptoms and lung functi