In order to maximize affectively for each asthmatic, organizations that deal with asthma from around the globe have developed guidelines that medical practitioners should follow. These guidelines contain step by step methods on how to start and proceed further with the treatment while keeping the best interests of the patient in mind.
The latest guideline released by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute or NHLBI places more emphasis on asthma assessment and control rather than severity. Interestingly, the summary of the guidelines state that the symptoms of asthma may or may not be always correlated with its severity, meaning, that the frequency and severity of the symptoms that you experience may not be directly related to the severity of your condition as there are many factors that can be considered for each and every attack that you might have.
The guideline contains essential information that will help clinicians develop more effective techniques aimed to help patients achieve long term relief with the least amount of medical intervention as possible. This also contains information on how to educate asthmatics about their condition properly so that the patient can proactively participate in the treatment process as well.
Aside from emphasizing on control rather than the severity, the guideline also points out the individualization of treatment for each patient along with possible courses of action for changes that might occur whether good or bad.
The guidelines also contain information about what should be accomplished by the clinician per patient visitation. It states that clinicians should asses the psychosocial status of the patient, his/her adherence or compliance to the medicinal regimen being given, along with its use and possible side effects.
The guideline also points out that clinicians should review the asthma action plan for every visit so that further changes can be made if necessary and that a conclusion should be reached after each and every visit whether the condition is well controlled or not.
While the NHLBI guidelines are mostly aimed at clinicians, it points out that in order to achieve long term relief and control over the condition, close partnership with the patient should be established. It also states that in whatever case, the patient will always have the final say about their treatment and that the clinician should only intervene in cases where the patient is intentionally and purposely putting him/herself in danger by not adhering to the medication or treatment being given.
So in a sense, the guidelines posted by the NHLBI gives emphasis on the care and actions that doctors should be mindful of when treating asthma, their ultimate goal and the considerations that they need to make when treatment proves ineffective.
The information contained therein will assist physicians in pro actively addressing individual needs and improve outcomes in the long run.
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