According to the 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) report, over 3oo million individuals have asthma worldwide. The study also reports that asthma is responsible for approximately 255,000 deaths per year. These numbers are increasing at an alarming rate and some countries are reporting a 20-30% incidence of asthma in some areas. Although asthma is a chronic disease, in most individuals it can be controlled with proper diagnosis and management.

In December 2007, the Global Initiative for Asthma Organization (ginasthma.org) published an update to their Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention publication to help health care providers and asthmatic individuals classify whether or not their asthma is under control. Asthma control can be divided into three different categories: controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled.

*Controlled asthma—less than 2 episodes per week of daytime symptoms, no limitations on activity, no nighttime symptoms, no exacerbations of symptoms (increased shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, or chest tightness), 2 or less uses of rescue medications (albuterol or other short-acting bronchodilators), and a peak expiratory flow that is normal for that individual

*Partially controlled asthma--more than 2 episodes per week of daytime symptoms, any limitations on activity as a result of asthma symptoms, any nighttime symptoms,using rescue medications more than twice per week, or a peak expiratory flow rate which is less than 80% of predicted or personal best

*Uncontrolled asthma--3 or more events of any of the above

Unfortunately, many asthmatics are so accustomed to not being able to breathe normally that they have difficulty being able to tell when their asthma is getting worse. Because of this, they often delay seeking treatment until their symptoms become extremely severe and therefore are much more difficult to get back under control. All asthmatics should obtain a peak flowmeter from their physician’s office or from their pharmacy to more accurately measure their lung status. Readings should be obtained at least once a day, possibly more often in those whose asthma tends to fluctuate in severity. They also need to obtain an asthma action plan from their physician so treatment can be attuned on a daily basis based on changes in their symptoms and peak flow readings. With proper daily monitoring and adjustments in treatment, complete control of asthma should be an achievable goal for most individuals.