Revised recommendations for oxygen therapy, including an upper target for saturation. Based on evidence of
hypercapnia and adverse outcomes in patients with asthma given high flow oxygen [73, 74], the
recommendation is now for controlled or titrated oxygen therapy where available, with a target saturation
of 93–95% (94–98% for children 6–11 years).
Regular ICS-containing controller should be instituted or restarted after any severe exacerbation. As well as
considering short-term outcomes when ICS controllers are given in the context of emergency department
or hospital presentations [75], this recommendation is also based on evidence that any severe exacerbation
increases the risk of another in the next 12 months [76], and that risk of rehospitalisation is reduced by
almost 40% with regular use of ICS-containing controller [42].