National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published its clinical guidelines for asthma diagnosis and monitoring, and asthma management. Developed by the National Guideline Centre (NGC) and hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), this is the first NICE clinical guidance on asthma.
The asthma diagnosis and monitoring guideline encourages the use of objective tests to help support diagnosis and reduce misdiagnosis. The asthma management guideline reinforces the importance of inhaled steroids for people with the condition.
Both asthma guidelines will support healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care for people with asthma.
Key recommendations
- Do not use symptoms alone without an objective test to diagnose asthma.
- Take into account the possible reasons for uncontrolled asthma, before starting or adjusting medicines for asthma in adults, young people and children. These may include:
- alternative diagnoses
- lack of adherence
- suboptimal inhaler technique
- smoking (active or passive)
- occupational exposures
- psychosocial factors
- seasonal or environmental factors.
The full guidance and recommendations are available from NICE.