Table 1 Asthma severity classification according to the treatment needed to achieve optimal disease control (adapted from GINA international guidelines) [17]
From: The potential role of local pharmacies to assess asthma control: an Italian cross-sectional study
STEP 1 intermittent | STEP 2 mild | STEP 3 moderate persistent | STEP 4 severe persistent | STEP 5 severe difficult to treat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
low dose ICS-SABA as needed | daily low dose ICS, or daily leukotriene antagonist, or low dose ICS-SABA as needed (> 2/month) | low dose ICS-LABA, or medium dose ICS, or low dose ICS + leukotriene antagonist | medium dose ICS-LABA, or high dose ICS, add-on tiotropium, or add-on leukotriene antagonist | high dose ICS-LABA ± add-on tiotropium and/or biologic drugs and/or oral steroids |