ABSTRACT
Most asthmatics, probably as many as 95%, should be managed in the community. The potential workload for a general practitioner is considerable: a doctor with 2500 patients will have approximately 125 current asthmatics. The challenge of good asthma care lies in the correct diagnosis, treatment and management, as well as patient eduction and planned follow-up. In asthma the airways narrow, resulting in airways obstruction. The bronchial smooth muscle goes into spasm, an excess of mucus is produced, and the bronchial lining and muscle become inflamed and swollen. There are many trigger factors which may provoke asthma, which include: infection, exertion, allergy, and chemical. The diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed by using the peak flow meter. There are specialized tests and investigations that may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis of asthma but for the majority of asthmatic patients they are unnecessary. All treatments for asthma, apart from systemic steroids and theophylline, may be prescribed by metered dose inhalers.
