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DENNIS M. WILLIAMS, PHARM.D., BCPS, AE-C, is Associate Professor, University of North Carolina, Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Kerr Hall #7360, Chapel Hill, NC (dwilliams{at}unc.edu).

Purpose. The goals of treatment and drug therapies used for long-term asthma control, classification of the disease by severity, and treatment based on severity are reviewed, with an emphasis on recent controversies in treatment approach and safety concerns. Summary. Patient education and written asthma self-management and action plans are essential components of asthma treatment because of the need for patients to acquire substantial knowledge and skills in self-care. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term-control therapy and usually suffice as monotherapy for mild persistent asthma. Adding a long-acting, inhaled ß2 agonist to the inhaled corticosteroid is preferred for moderate and severe persistent disease despite safety concerns. Omalizumab use is limited to selected patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma and an inadequate response to inhaled corticosteroids. Conclusion. The long-term control of asthma requires substantial patient knowledge and skill. Persistent disease is best managed by inhaled corticosteroids and if it is moderate or severe, long-acting, inhaled ß2 agonists in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Index terms: Ambulatory care; Antibodies; Asthma; Combined therapy; Omalizumab; Patient information; Steroids, cortico-; Sympathomimetic agents