Prescribing Advice for GPs

Asthma Guideline update

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) / British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guideline on the Management of Asthma has been updated. The guideline is also available in quick reference format (PDF).

The update includes a review of the sections on pharmacological management, acute asthma and the management of asthma in pregnancy and key messages include:

• Oxygen levels in patients with acute asthma should be maintained at SpO2 94-98%
• Oxygen saturation should be measured by pulse oximeters in adults and children. Pulse oximeters should therefore be available for use by all health professionals assessing acute asthma in both primary and secondary care settings
• The importance of action plans in controlling asthma and reducing future hospitalisation is reinforced
• Reinforced advice on the safe use of treatment during pregnancy

In addition, inhaled steroid doses are now referenced to CFC-free metered dose inhaler devices due to the phased withdrawal of CFC containing inhalers.

Action: Clinicians who diagnose and treat asthma should be aware of this latest guidance and ensure that recommendations are implemented.

Adapted from an original article published on NPCi

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