Foreword: An introduction to the Australian Asthma Handbook

Long-term management of asthma: the new Australian guidelines

The key primary care management messages of the Australian Asthma Handbook emphasise accurate diagnosis of asthma and management based on assessment of asthma symptom control and risk factors, adjustment of therapy to achieve good control, and review of the response and monitoring to maintain control.

Spirometry: its role in diagnosing and managing asthma

Spirometry is the lung function test recommended in the current asthma management guidelines for diagnosing asthma and assessing asthma control.

Maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma: budesonide/eformoterol combination

Concerns expressed following the introduction of budesonide/eformoterol combination treatment for maintenance and reliever therapy of asthma have been addressed by the findings of recent studies and systematic reviews.

Asthma action plans

Two examples of the available asthma action plans: National Asthma Council Australia Asthma Action Plan and My Symbicort Rapihaler Asthma Action Plan