| According to the 2005 World Health Organization | | | | activity as a result of asthma symptoms, any |
| (WHO) report, over 3oo million individuals have | | | | nighttime symptoms,using rescue medications more |
| asthma worldwide. The study also reports that | | | | than twice per week, or a peak expiratory flow rate |
| asthma is responsible for approximately 255,000 | | | | which is less than 80% of predicted or personal best |
| deaths per year. These numbers are increasing at an | | | | *Uncontrolled asthma--3 or more events of any of |
| alarming rate and some countries are reporting a | | | | the above |
| 20-30% incidence of asthma in some areas. Although | | | | Unfortunately, many asthmatics are so accustomed |
| asthma is a chronic disease, in most individuals it can | | | | to not being able to breathe normally that they have |
| be controlled with proper diagnosis and management. | | | | difficulty being able to tell when their asthma is |
| In December 2007, the Global Initiative for Asthma | | | | getting worse. Because of this, they often delay |
| Organization (ginasthma.org) published an update to | | | | seeking treatment until their symptoms become |
| their Global Strategy for Asthma Management and | | | | extremely severe and therefore are much more |
| Prevention publication to help health care providers | | | | difficult to get back under control. All asthmatics |
| and asthmatic individuals classify whether or not their | | | | should obtain a peak flowmeter from their physician's |
| asthma is under control. Asthma control can be | | | | office or from their pharmacy to more accurately |
| divided into three different categories: controlled, | | | | measure their lung status. Readings should be |
| partially controlled and uncontrolled. | | | | obtained at least once a day, possibly more often in |
| *Controlled asthma-less than 2 episodes per week of | | | | those whose asthma tends to fluctuate in severity. |
| daytime symptoms, no limitations on activity, no | | | | They also need to obtain an asthma action plan from |
| nighttime symptoms, no exacerbations of symptoms | | | | their physician so treatment can be attuned on a |
| (increased shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, or | | | | daily basis based on changes in their symptoms and |
| chest tightness), 2 or less uses of rescue medications | | | | peak flow readings. With proper daily monitoring and |
| (albuterol or other short-acting bronchodilators), and a | | | | adjustments in treatment, complete control of |
| peak expiratory flow that is normal for that individual | | | | asthma should be an achievable goal for most |
| *Partially controlled asthma--more than 2 episodes per | | | | individuals. |
| week of daytime symptoms, any limitations on | | | | |