Latest recommendations

The main pharmacological treatments for managing asthma aim to reduce inflammation and increase bronchodilation.

Traditionally, two separate inhaled drug treatments have generally been used – an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to reduce inflammation and a drug to increase bronchodilation (usually a SABA). However, new NICE/BTS/SIGN guidance now recommends a SABA-free pathway to treatment, combining licensed ICS and formoterol as an AIR or MART regimen. This is a major change from previous practice and, over time, will become the ‘new normal’ in asthma management. The guidance also recommends greater use of blood tests and FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) monitoring.