Asthma cannot be cured but it can be effectively treated. Treatment of asthma aims at control of the disease, a state whereby the patient does not experience asthma symptoms or acute attacks or have to use quick-relief medication. Control of asthma can be achieved in almost all patients, with no side effects from medications, through the implementation of an effective asthma management program. The GINA program includes a six-point plan:

• Educate patients to develop a partnership in asthma management
• Assess and monitor severity with measures of symptoms and lung function
• Avoid or control factors that cause asthma attacks
• Establish medication plans for long-term management
• Establish plans for managing asthma attacks
• Provide regular follow-up care

Two types of medications are used in asthma care: controller medications (especially anti-inflammatory agents such as inhaled glucocorticosteroids) that are taken over the long term and keep symptoms and attacks from starting, and reliever medications (rapid-acting bronchodilators) that work fast to treat attacks or relieve symptoms. For a full copy of the GINA reports that provide details of an effective asthma management program, visit the GINA home page at: www.ginasthma.com.