Treatment of modifiable risk factors. Not all risk factors require, or respond to, a step-up in asthma
treatment. This table summarises interventions and evidence levels for modifiable risk factors, such as
weight reduction for obesity, and smoking cessation strategies.
Non-pharmacological interventions. Recommendations about specific non-pharmacological strategies
including physical activity, allergen avoidance or immunotherapy for sensitised patients, and breathing
exercises are summarised in a table, with evidence levels for each. A full chapter of the online appendix is
devoted to this topic, with more detail about each of the interventions and their impact on asthma outcomes.
Indications for referral. In many countries, asthma is largely managed in primary care. A table is provided,
summarising in bullet-point format the clinical features that should prompt referral for expert advice.