Recommendations concerning the follow-up of adult and adolescent asthmatics: which criteria to follow

At the population level, the control of asthma remains less than satisfactory, in spite of the availability of effective therapy and the multiplication of international recommendations. For these reasons, the ANAES has developed recommendations for follow-up, specifically for adult and adolescent patients. These recommendations emphasize the importance of the control of asthma and compliance to treatment as the principal objectives of follow-up. They also indicate the rationale for a number of conceivable clinical and paraclinical investigations in this framework as well as the approach to take in observing how well the patient tolerates and follows the prescribed treatment. They also pay attention to specific aspects dealing with occupational asthma. The work of the ANAES must now be directed at informing and forming physicians so that these recommendations will be put into practice. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.