Asthma in the Primary Care Setting

Tianshi David Wu; Emily P Brigham; Meredith C McCormack

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.12.004

Asthma in the Primary Care Setting

Med Clin North Am. 2019 May;103(3):435-452. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2018.12.004.

Authors

Tianshi David Wu¹, Emily P Brigham¹, Meredith C McCormack²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
² Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Electronic address: mmccor16@jhmi.edu.

Abstract

Asthma is one of the commonest respiratory diseases in the United States, affecting approximately 8% of adults. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of asthma, with integration of recommendations from professional societies, with special attention to differential diagnosis. A framework for outpatient management of patients with asthma is presented, including indications for subspecialist referral. With integration of objective diagnostic information, systematic approach through modification of disease triggers and adjustment of controller medications, and patient empowerment to respond to varying symptoms using an asthma action plan, most individuals with asthma are successfully managed in the primary care setting.

Keywords: Ambulatory; Asthma; Diagnosis; Outpatient; Review; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Asthma / diagnosis*
Asthma / epidemiology
Asthma / etiology
Asthma / therapy*
Humans
Primary Health Care / methods*
Referral and Consultation

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

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