Key changes
• A continuum of care for worsening asthma (action plans, primary care, acute care, follow-up)
• The term “flare-up” is recommended for communication with patients
• Patients at increased risk of asthma-related death should be flagged
• An early rapid increase in ICS is recommended for action plans
• Severity of acute asthma is simplified into mild/moderate, severe, and life-threatening
• Revised recommendations for oxygen therapy, including an upper target for saturation
• Regular ICS-containing controller should be instituted or restarted after any severe exacerbation
• Practical tools
Action plan options for different controller regimens
Flow-chart for managing asthma exacerbations in primary care
Flow chart for managing asthma exacerbations in acute care facilities
Discharge management