For a patient with moderate persistent asthma who experiences symptoms every 1-2 days, what is the recommended long-term treatment change?

For a patient with moderate persistent asthma who has symptoms every 1-2 days, the recommended long-term treatment involves the addition of a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) to the existing therapy, typically inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). This approach is grounded in the stepwise management of asthma, where the goal is to control symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

LABAs work by providing prolonged bronchodilation, which helps to open the airways and improve airflow. This, in combination with ICS, addresses inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, common features in asthma. The use of LABAs can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment plan, enabling better control of symptoms and potentially reducing the need for rescue inhalers.

In essence, adding a LABA allows for more effective management of moderate persistent asthma by optimizing the pharmacologic approach to both inflammation (with ICS) and bronchoconstriction (with LABA). This combination is recommended in clinical guidelines to achieve better asthma control and improve the patient's quality of life.