Rethinking asthma management: the overuse of SABAs and updated adult treatment guidelines

Authors

  • C Schoeman Zuid-Afrikaanse Hospital
  • N Schoeman Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital

Keywords:

asthma management, overuse of SABAs, adult treatment guidelines

Abstract

The global overuse of short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs), like salbutamol, has prompted a need to update asthma management protocols. Excessive reliance on SABAs—defined as using more than three canisters per year (or more than twice weekly)—is now recognised as a marker of poor asthma control and is associated with significant patient risk.

In South Africa, SABA overuse is alarmingly high. The Short-Acting Beta-Agonist Use IN Asthma (SABINA) III trial found that 75% of asthma patients in South Africa are overusing SABAs, compared to the global average of 38%. Furthermore, 51% of patients have uncontrolled asthma, with only 28% achieving adequate control and 21% achieving partial control, underscoring the need for a paradigm shift in asthma care.1

Author Biographies

C Schoeman, Zuid-Afrikaanse Hospital

Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, South Africa

N Schoeman, Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital

Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, South Africa

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Published

2024-12-09

Issue

Section

Review