Story perspectives

New Asthma Guidelines: Shift to Budesonide-Formoterol Treatment

9/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

The updated Australian Asthma Handbook advises against using short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA) alone for treating asthma in adults and adolescents.
It recommends starting treatment with inhaled low-dose budesonide-formoterol to lower severe exacerbation risks.
A written asthma management plan is essential for patients on new treatments.
New referral thresholds for difficult-to-control asthma patients reflect advancements in biologic therapies.
Recommendations now emphasize minimizing oral corticosteroid use due to associated risks.

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Story summary

The updated Australian Asthma Handbook advises against using short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA) alone for treating asthma in adults and adolescents.
It recommends starting treatment with inhaled low-dose budesonide-formoterol to lower severe exacerbation risks.
A written asthma management plan is essential for patients on new treatments.
New referral thresholds for difficult-to-control asthma patients reflect advancements in biologic therapies.
Recommendations now emphasize minimizing oral corticosteroid use due to associated risks.