ASTHMA: SEVERITY CLASSIFICATIONS

Course overview

An individualized asthma management plan (AMP) should be based on the patient’s clinical status using an established asthma severity classification system and evaluation of symptoms, pulmonary function status, and frequency of rescue use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), if appropriate. Effective initial treatment is determined based on the level of asthma severity prior to the use of long-term anti-inflammatory agents. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of relevant research on asthma severity classifications, including evidence-based information on guidelines for classification of asthma severity, severity level characteristics, and routine evaluation schedules to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.