Running head: ASTHMA AND STEPWISE MANAGMENT
1
Asthma and Stepwise Management
Walden University
NURS 6521: Advance Pharmacology
September 23, 2018

ASTHMA AND STEPWISE MANAGEMENT
Asthma and Stepwise Management
Asthma is a major public health concern that affects approximately 300 million
individuals across the world (Felix et al., 2017).
Asthma results in limitation and remodeling of
the airway that is the result of chronic inflammation.
Signs of an acute asthma exacerbation may
include wheezing, dyspnea, cough, and chest discomfort.
Presently there is no known cure for
asthma; however, there are a variety of medications that are used to control the number of acute
asthmatic episodes (Felix et al., 2017).
The purpose of this paper is to describe both long-term
and quick relief options for asthma and the impact that these drugs might have on patients.
I will
also explain the stepwise approach to treatment and management and describe how this approach
can assist providers and patients in maintaining asthma control.
Long-term Control
Not all individuals will require long-term control of asthma.
For example, a person who
experiences asthmatic episodes no more than twice a week will not need long-term medications
(Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur, & Reinhold, 2017).
Individuals who suffer frequent asthma
attacks will, however, require some form of long-term medication to control their symptoms.
Inhaled steroids are one form of therapy that is indicated for long-term suppression of asthmatic
symptoms.
Inhaled steroids can also aid in the reversal of inflammation found in the airways
(Arcangelo et al., 2017).


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