[Asthma in primary care].

Abstract

Primary care is responsible for diagnostics and follow-up of the majority of patients with asthma. The variable airway obstruction may contribute to difficulties in diagnosing asthma. The cornerstones of diagnostics are patient history and lung function measurements. Even patients with only sporadic symptoms should be treated with inhaled corticosteroids (Step 1 in the asthma treatment track). Patient education is essential for good asthma control. Optimal asthma control means normal lung function, absence of symptoms and absence of exacerbations. This must always be assessed at a patient consultation. In uncontrolled asthma, treatment barriers such as inadequate inhalation technique, insufficient adherence to treatment, exposure to asthma triggers, and possible influence of co-morbidity should be assessed.