AAAAI: Web-Based Tool Aids Asthma Management

<p>THURSDAY, March 20 (HealthDay News) -- A new Web-based tool, ASTHMA IQ, helps asthma specialists apply newly updated asthma guidelines into their clinical practice with the goal of improving the quality of care delivered to patients with asthma. ASTHMA IQ was unveiled at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting in Philadelphia this month.</p><p>The Internet-based tool is part of a nationwide campaign by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to educate patients and physicians about the disease and its treatments. The NHLBI/NHI released an in-depth report on asthma in late 2007, which included updated guidelines for diagnosis and management of the disease.</p><p>The focus of the current guidelines is on the control of asthma. As such, ASTHMA IQ is designed to be a practical tool to aid physicians in identifying the level of disease control and initiating or modifying medications as needed.</p><p>"ASTHMA IQ contains decision-support features that provide specific feedback based on patient's age, asthma impairment and asthma risk," said Dr. Thomas Casale, president of the AAAAI. "ASTHMA IQ can help physicians identify the most appropriate severity or control level and initiate or adjust therapies."</p><p><a href="http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2008/03/030508b.asp" target="_new">More Information</a></p>

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