Severe Asthma: Definition, Diagnosis and Treatment

摘要: The prevalence of asthma increased significantly in the 20th century and is currently estimated to be 5 10% Europe (1). In century, pertinent medical concepts were dominated by classification as “allergic asthma” (evidence allergic sensitization) or “intrinsic (no evidence sensitization); this was proposed Francis M. Rackemann 1918 (2, 3). 21st slowly being replaced biomarker-based phenotyping asthma, for targeted treatment particular subtypes. concept severity has also changed: lung function giving way degree control. This been adopted German (www.versorgungsleitlinien.de) international (www.ginasthma.com) recommendations. In clinical practice, control assessed using questionnaires such Asthma Control Test (ACT) (Table 1) Questionnaire (ACQ) (4). majority patients can successfully treated with modern standard therapy. As a result, emergency room consultations hospitalizations have decreased (5). However, minority remains only partially controlled, even uncontrolled, despite intensive treatment. termed severe important terms health economics, accounts resource use (6, 7). Table 1 Asthma