Despite the availability of effective treatments, uncontrolled asthma is associated not only with mortality, but also morbidity affecting health-related quality of life. The aims of asthma management are to achieve control of symptoms, reduce the risk of exacerbations, and limit the future risk of fixed airway obstruction. Poor asthma control can arise from inadequate treatment, poor adherence to medications, poor inhaler technique, poor perception of control, along with risk factors such as psychosocial/emotional and altered breathing patterns, as well as comorbidities such as rhinitis, depression or obesity. This article focuses on the role of general practice nurses (GPNs) in the management of asthma, with particular emphasis on medications. It also looks at the benefits and drawbacks of short-acting ßeta-2 agonists, inhaled corticosteroids and longacting ß2 agonists, as well as non-pharmacological interventions.
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