Asthma and Stepwise Management
One method that supports the clinical decision making of drug therapy plans for asthmatic patients is the stepwise approach, which you explore in this Assignment.
Create a 5- to 6-slide PowerPoint presentation that can be used in a staff development meeting on presenting different approaches for implementing the stepwise approach for asthma treatment. Be sure to address the following:
Describe long-term control and quick relief treatment options for the asthma patient from your practice as well as the impact these drugs might have on your patient.
Explain the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for your patient.
Explain how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease. Be specific.
Sample Solution
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing when you breathe out and shortness of breath. When you are first diagnosed with asthma, your doctor may prescribe increasingly higher dosages of an asthma controller medication until you consistently sleep well at night, stay active during the day and avoid emergency room visits or hospitalization. Once you have achieved these goals, you and your doctor can work together to adjust your treatment so you need the least amount of medication possible to maintain good asthma control. This approach to asthma treatment is called stepwise. Your allergist will gradually increase or decrease – “step up” or “step down” – your medication doses until the best balance is found. It is extremely important to take your medications as directed. The purpose of the medication is to help you remain symptom-free.
