Table 1: Treatment guideline (GINA) for asthmatic children over 5 years old

    Treatment: children over 5 years old
    Long-term preventive   Quick-relief
STEP 4
Severe persistent		   Daily medications:   - Short-acting bronchodilator:
inhaled 2-agonist PRN.
  - Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), 800-2,000 mcg or more, and  
  - Long-acting bronchodilator:
either long-acting inhaled 2-agonist and/or sustained-release theophylline, and/or long-acting 2-agonist tablets or syrup, and		  
  - Corticosteroid tablets or syrup long term      
             
STEP 3
Moderate persistent		   Daily medications:   - Short-acting bronchodilator:
inhaled 2-agonist PRN, not to exceed 3-4 times in one day
  - ICS, 500mcg AND, if needed    
  - Long-acting bronchodilator:
either long-acting inhaled 2-agonist, sustained-release theophylline, or long-acting 2-agonist tablets or syrup		    
  - Consider adding anti-leukotriene    
             
STEP 2
Mild persistent		   Daily medication:   - Short-acting bronchodilator:
inhaled 2-agonist PRN, not to exceed 3-4 times in one day
  - Either ICS, 200-500 mcg, or cromoglycate or nedocromil or sustained release theophylline.
Anti-leukotrienes may be considered		    
             
STEP 1
Intermittent		   - None needed   - Short-acting bronchodilator:
inhaled 2-agonist PRN, not less than once a week
             
GINA = Global Initiative for Asthma