Therefore, "while a symptom-based strategy for asthma treatment worked for some patients, and is an attractive idea because it can work, it requires a close monitoring and collaboration between doctor and patient," Horovitz stressed. "For this reason, on balance, the traditional approach of daily inhaled corticosteroids is the safest."
For his part, Calhoun said that "the current protocol of daily inhaled corticosteroid use is effective, but the flexibility and immediate probable cost savings for asthma medicine that a symptom-based approach may offer will appeal to many patients. We hope our findings prompt patients to talk with their doctors and become more active participants in effectively managing their condition."
More information
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more about asthma.
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