The March 30, 2021 session of Duke Medicine LEADS featured Loretta G. Que, MD, presenting "It's a "NO" Brainer: A "SMART"er Approach to Asthma."
Here are pearls and takeaways from the session:
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Use published recommendations to guide initiation of therapy and management of asthma. Current recommendations include an emphasis on SMART (Single maintenance and reliever therapy) in which patients receive a combination ICS-formoterol inhaler as both maintenance and quick relief therapy rather than short-acting bronchodilators alone as well as a stepwise approach to therapy.
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FeNO (Fractional exhaled nitric oxide) is considered an indirect biomarker of airway inflammation and is a test that can be used to aid in the diagnosis or approach to therapy when uncertain.
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Numerous biologic therapies are available in the treatment of severe asthma. Consider referral to the Severe Asthma Program for patients with uncontrolled disease on step 4-5 therapy.
Duke Medicine Learning, Education, and Discussion Series (LEADS) takes place each Tuesday at 12 p.m. Learn more and see schedule of upcoming sessions.
