Asthma according to the GINA report 2014

Abstract

The authors of this paper decided to present three chapters of the new revised GINA report of 2014. In the first chapter, the new definition of asthma is proposed and the diagnostic processes as well as general methods of asthma treatment are presented. This definition is simpler than the one given in earlier reports. According to the GINA report 2014, a detailed history and physical examination of a patient lead to the correct diagnosis but additional tests, such as airflow parameters, bronchial obstruction reversibility test and airway hyperresponsiveness test, are helpful in the diagnosis. According to the first asthma management guidelines, the treatment of this disease depends on the severity defined by clinical symptoms and lung function parameters. However, the asthma severity level does not reflect the response to treatment. Therefore, the GINA report of 2006 recommended a change in the approach to asthma management that consists in determining the asthma control level, and distinguished between controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled asthma. The second chapter of the GINA report 2014 confirms this approach and emphasises that obtaining an optimal disease control is the main goal of asthma treatment. Accurate assessment of asthma control improves treatment efficacy. The third chapter discusses problems associated with asthma treatment. Determining the asthma control level is the basis for selecting and modifying pharmacotherapy. The GINA report 2014 confirms the division of antiasthmatic drugs into two main groups i.e. controllers and relievers of dyspnoea. It also confirms the division into five steps of treatment.

Keywords

• asthma
• GINA report
• definition of asthma
• phenotypes of asthma
• treatment of asthma