The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function. Management of acute exacerbations in the emergency department is not discussed here.

The FDA has approved the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of Nasacort Allergy 24HR (Sanofi), a triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray previously available only by prescription as Nasacort AQ. The OTC product, which is scheduled to be marketed in the spring of 2014, will be the first corticosteroid nasal spray that can be purchased without a prescription in the US. Nasacort Allergy 24HR is approved for use in patients ≥2 years old with nasal allergy symptoms.

View the Comparison Chart: Correct Use of Inhalers for Asthma

View the Table: Correct Use of Inhalers for COPD

Initial treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table 1).

The main goals of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are to relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, prevent disease progression, and reduce mortality. GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines for treatment of COPD were updated recently. Treatment of acute exacerbations is not discussed here. Drugs available for treatment of COPD are listed in Tables 1 and 3.