Vnitr Lek 1992, 38(8):795-801

[Self-treatment and self-monitoring in patients with bronchial asthma].

J Stiksa, V Vondra: Pulmonary and Allergology Dept., Central Hospital, Helsingborg, Svédsko.

Regular assessment of the peak expiratory flow (PEF), which after proper instruction, the patient can do himself is important for evaluation of the activity of bronchial asthma. It is, however, essential to assess the optimal PEF values of every individual. For control of self-treatment it is important to know the daily variations of PEF and the degree of reversibility of bronchospasm after inhalation of a beta 2-adrenergic substance. Inadequate reversibility of bronchial obstruction despite repeated inhalation of a beta 2-adrenergic substance is usually caused by inflammation. Depending on the clinical status and changes of PEF the patient can, if properly instructed, start corticosteroid treatment in case of acute deterioration or increase the corticosteroid doses in case of subacute deterioration of the condition. Follow-up of PEF is important also for self-management in case of clinically latent deterioration and during maintenance treatment.