According to GINA guidelines, what is the recommended treatment for symptoms occurring 4-5 times a week?

The recommended treatment for symptoms occurring 4-5 times a week according to GINA guidelines is to use a combination of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and formoterol on a as-needed basis. This approach emphasizes the importance of controlling asthma symptoms while minimizing the risk of medication overuse and side effects. Using ICS provides an anti-inflammatory effect, which is crucial for long-term asthma management, and combining it with formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), ensures rapid relief from symptoms when they occur.

This strategy allows for effective control of asthma while providing flexibility and responsiveness to the frequency of symptoms. Daily ICS formoterol maintenance is generally recommended for more persistent symptoms, while low dose SABA as needed may not provide adequate anti-inflammatory effects, and high dose oral steroids are typically reserved for severe exacerbations due to their risk of significant side effects. Thus, the combination of ICS and formoterol taken as needed is positioned by GINA as a suitable option for individuals experiencing symptoms 4-5 times a week.