Signs and symptoms are atypical. Other conditions complicate asthma. Additional diagnostic testing is indicated. Patient requires additional education Patient is being considered for immunotherapy. Patient has severe persistent asthma.
Patient requires continuous oral corticosteroid therapy or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
Patient is younger than 3 years and has moderate or severe asthma. Asthma medications are now classified into the categories long-term control and quick relief. However, it is clearly indicated that all drugs in each class are not interchangeable. This classification also includes drugs with relatively weak and largely untested anti-inflammatory activity, such as theophylline and the new leukotriene pathway modifiers. It includes cromolyn and nedocromil, which have relatively weak but proven anti-inflammatory actions.