Question

When should asthma therapy be stepped up, and what are the common triggers or indicators that necessitate an escalation in asthma treatment to achieve better control of the condition?

Answer 1

Stepping up asthma therapy is necessary when a person's asthma is not well controlled with their current treatment. Common triggers or indicators include increased frequency or severity of symptoms, more frequent use of quick-relief medication, experiencing symptoms at night or during physical activity, significant limitations in daily activities, and multiple exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stepping up asthma therapy is necessary when a person's asthma is not well controlled with their current treatment. Common triggers or indicators that necessitate an escalation in asthma treatment include:

• Increased frequency or severity of asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness
• More frequent use of quick-relief medication such as inhalers
• Experiencing asthma symptoms at night or during physical activity
• Significant limitations in daily activities due to asthma
• Multiple asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids

When these triggers are present, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to adjust the asthma treatment plan and potentially introduce additional medications for better control.