Korean J Med.
2016 Apr;90(4):298-306. 10.3904/kjm.2016.90.4.298.
Practical Guideline of Asthma Management: Korean Guideline for Asthma 2015
- Affiliations
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- 1Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea. addchang@snu.ac.kr
- 2Gyeonggi-do Atopy·Asthma Education Information Center, Seongnam, Korea.
- KMID: 2268841
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2016.90.4.298
Abstract
- Allergic diseases such as asthma are increasing. The prevalence of adult asthma is about 3% in Korea. However, asthma becomes more prevalent with age: 6.8-12% in the elderly. In terms of socioeconomic burden, asthma is the 6th important chronic disease in Korea. The symptoms of asthma such as dyspnea, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort may vary according to time and season. Reversible airflow limitation and airway hypersensitivity are the characteristic features of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroid is the mainstay in the management of asthma as chronic airway inflammation is the underlying mechanism. Stepwise approach is recommended according to the severity and the control status. Physicians should be aware of the control status, lung function, and the risk factors of future risk including asthma exacerbations. Doctor-patient relationship is always important to increase the adherence and treatment outcome. Patients should learn how to use inhalers: video clips on inhalers are available at the websites such as Gyeonggi-do Atopy Asthma Education Information Center. In this review, the practical approach of asthma management was described mainly referring to the Korean guideline for asthma which has been published, revised, and updated by the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology and recently published in 2015.
