For asthma patients experiencing symptoms daily, what is the recommended treatment approach?

The recommended treatment approach for asthma patients experiencing symptoms daily involves the use of medium dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in conjunction with formoterol, which is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). This combination is effective because the ICS helps to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms, while formoterol provides quick relief from acute symptoms due to its rapid onset of action.

Using medium dose ICS allows for adequate control of persistent inflammation and may improve lung function in patients who have frequent symptoms. The addition of formoterol not only relieves symptoms when they occur but also aids in reducing the frequency of exacerbations when used as a maintenance therapy.

In contrast to the other potential treatments, relying solely on a low dose of ICS and short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) is generally insufficient for patients with daily symptoms, as it does not provide the necessary control of persistent inflammation. A short course of oral corticosteroids is typically reserved for acute exacerbations rather than as a regular management approach. Finally, monitoring without medication is not appropriate for patients experiencing daily asthma symptoms, as the risk of worsening control and potential exacerbations increases significantly without appropriate intervention. Therefore, combining medium dose ICS with formoterol is a comprehensive strategy