Asthma Management

A 28-year-old woman with suspected asthma presents with episodic dyspnea and cough. Clinical examination is unremarkable. Which investigation is the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis of asthma?

In asthma management, which step of the GINA stepwise approach is characterized by the use of low-dose ICS/LABA combination therapy?

A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute-onset dyspnea, chest tightness, and wheezing for 2 hours. She has a 10-year history of asthma, well-controlled on a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Today she was exposed to her friend's cat (a known trigger). On examination: respiratory rate 28/min, peak expiratory flow (PEF) 60% of predicted, widespread end-expiratory wheeze bilaterally, speaking in short phrases. Oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation with no infiltrates. Which is the most appropriate immediate management?

A 28-year-old woman with moderate persistent asthma is started on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Her colleague, a 32-year-old man with mild intermittent asthma, uses a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) only as needed. Which feature best distinguishes the management approach between moderate persistent and mild intermittent asthma?

A 32-year-old woman with persistent asthma is started on inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Which is the most common adverse effect of regular inhaled corticosteroid use?