Asthma management in women

The burden of asthma has increased during the past few decades and appears to be disproportionately greater in women than in men. The review is intended to increase nurse practitioners' awareness of hormonal, medical, and social variables that affect asthma in women. Key components of successful asthma management based on national treatment guidelines for both nonpregnant and pregnant women with asthma are highlighted. These guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids as the therapy of choice for all severities of persistent asthma. Appropriate treatment and monitoring, coupled with open dialogue between the patient and her health care provider, are essential to achieving asthma control.