What is the recommended next step if asthma remains uncontrolled?

When asthma remains uncontrolled, the appropriate response is to step up therapy. This means increasing the dose or frequency of medications used to manage asthma symptoms, which may involve the addition of more effective medications or changing to a stronger medication. This approach aims to achieve better control of asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

In practice, stepping up therapy is guided by an evaluation of the patient's current medication regimen, symptom frequency, and overall asthma control. It allows healthcare providers to tailor the treatment plan to better meet the needs of the patient, ensuring that symptoms are managed effectively and improving the patient's quality of life.

Continuing current therapy may not be sufficient if symptoms are not adequately controlled, and stepping down therapy or switching medication might prematurely alter a successful management approach, especially if the current regimen isn't providing adequate relief. Therefore, stepping up therapy is the most appropriate action when faced with uncontrolled asthma.