Review: Control of asthma

Control is the aim of asthma management and clinical trials show that control can be achieved in the majority of patients. However, population surveys show that poorly controlled asthma still imposes a considerable burden. This fact has led to a re-evaluation of the international asthma guidelines and the updated 2006 and 2007 GINA and NAEPP guidelines suggest that the level of control should be used as the key feature for the classification and management of asthma. Furthermore, in the latest guidelines, a clearer definition of control is given and new tools for the assessment and monitoring of control are instituted. In order to achieve asthma control, not only relevant pharmacological treatment but, the establishment of a good patient-doctor relationship, proper education of the asthmatic patient, reduction of exposure to triggers and treatment of co-morbidities are pivotal issues and must be ensured.