ASTHMA CLINICAL PRACTICE

GUILDELINEA FLOWCHART AND PRODUCTION

RULES METHODOLOGY

Consider Asthma if any of the following symptoms are presented

Symptoms in Adults

-Wheezing: high pitched whistling sound when breathing out

-Any of the following symptoms

1. cough, worse at night

2. recurrent wheeze

3.recurrent difficult breathing

4. recurrent chest tightness

5. symptoms respond to anti-asthma therapy

RULE 2: Any of the following Symptoms in Children

1.frequent episodes of wheezing-more than once a month

2. activity-induced cough or wheeze

3. cough particularly at night

4. absence of seasonal variation in wheeze

5.symptoms that persist after age 3

6. symptoms improve when asthma medication is given

Rule 3. SpirometryMeasures airflow limitation and its reversibility

an increase in FEV1 of >=12% or >= 200ml after administration of bronchodilator indicates reversible airflow limitation consistent with ASTHMA

Exception or Differential Diagnosis

Classification and Treatment of Asthma

Controlled Asthma