CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Asthma - Management
How should I manage adults with an intermediate probability of asthma?
- If the person has an intermediate probability of asthma, consider performing a reversibility test (in addition to spirometry at the initial diagnosis) and/or a trial of treatment for 2–3 months:
- If a trial of treatment is offered, the choice of treatment depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
- If a reversibility test shows significant reversibility (a greater than 400 mL improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]), start a trial of asthma treatment.
- If a reversibility test shows no reversibility (less than 400 mL improvement in FEV1), consider referring to secondary care for additional tests.
- If a trial of asthma treatment has been started and:
- Response is good, continue treatment.
- Response is poor, check for reversibility. If there is insignificant reversibility, consider referral to secondary care for additional tests. If there is significant reversibility, assess compliance and inhaler technique.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement