Resources
At the request of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) issued a comprehensive update of clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. TheGlobal Initiative for Asthma (GINA) also has provided guidelines for the management of asthma. These guidelines provide new guidance on selecting treatment based on a patient’s individual needs and level of asthma control. The guidelines emphasize that asthma severity and symptoms can change over time so treatment needs to be adjusted as needed. The guidelines also stress that patients need the skills to self-monitor and manage their asthma using a written asthma action plan. The Asthma Institute works with patients to build their skills and gives them tools to manage their asthma.