Asthma Research Paper

The Asthma Epidemic:
Diagnosis, Treatments and Management, all prospects towards a better future
Asthma is a multifactorial chronic disorder that has displayed a significant increase in prevalence and incidence worldwide over the past two decades, particularly in developed countries (Hazeldine, 2013). The World Health Organization estimates that 235 million people currently suffer from this common respiratory condition. Despite this growth, over that same period of time, global asthma mortality has clearly decreased, corresponding with marked advances in asthma diagnosis and management. Nonetheless, the majority of occurring deaths are preventable (Rebuck, 2013). Concerted efforts to find and improve asthma treatments, diagnostic tools
Throughout the past decades, new therapies have been emerging while older treatments have been refined with research advancements in asthma pathogenesis. Selecting the appropriate treatment plan is typically based on frequency and severity of asthma flare-ups and response to previous and/or on-going therapies . Also, at times, the choice of therapy is reinforced by results obtained during pulmonary function testing (Rebuck, 2013). The severity of asthma should guide the adequate starting dosage, which in most case, a moderate level dose suffices (Rees et al., 2010). Pharmacotherapy is commonly divided into two categories: short-term relief and long-term control , both aiming for a common goal: the relief asthma symptoms and enabling asthmatics to lead a normal active
Suboptimal control of the condition and non-adherence to medication regimen has been suggested as potential causes of asthma-related deaths (Lindsay & Heaney, 2013). It is therefore of paramount importance to ensure proper asthma management. Self-management plans should promptly begin upon diagnosis and should involve a collaborative partnership between the clinician and the patient. Education along with environmental control is crucial during this process. Reducing or controlling exposure to asthma-inducers decreases the chance of exacerbation reoccurrences. Clinician should ensure that patients understand the proper use of prescribed medication, the proper techniques of administration, what encompasses asthma control and how to monitor it. Education can be improved through referral to asthma clinics. Furthermore, periodically reviewing this action plan, modifying it if need be, along with performing routinely lung function measurements (PEF & FEV) helps monitor the adequacy of asthma management and control. A management plan should reflect a shared goal and should be tailored to a patient’s level of readiness to participate. Becoming proactive in one’s self-management plan and targeting risk for non-adherence by clinicians are essential in successfully achieving asthma control (Lougheed et al., 2010; Este, 2011; Szefler,