Focusing Not Only on Treating Symptoms, but Also on Reducing Risk

A few months ago, this year’s update from the Global Initiative for Asthma ( GINA) was published, featuring evidence-based recommendations for asthma treatment and prevention. For primary care practices, the current GINA strategy can be summed up in a simple formula: Don’t just ask how the patient is feeling today, but also how high their risk is for the next exacerbation. By regularly reviewing the diagnosis, inhalation technique, adherence, and risk factors, more can often be achieved than by simply escalating medication.