Earn up to 1 AMA PRA Category I Credit™

Statement of Purpose:
Asthma remains one of the most important chronic diseases that affects our world. As the prevalence increases, its socioeconomic toll places it among the most costly chronic management problems.  Because of the tremendous variability and heterogeneity of the disease, it has been underdiagnosed, and therefore, undertreated.

Effective therapy depends on a clear understanding of the underlying pathology with the concepts of airway remodeling. The increasing burden of asthma on those afflicted as well as on society present a strong need for education of primary care physicians in the knowledge of management of this disease. Management guidleines have been developed to assist physcians in the evidence-based management of asthma. Knowledge of these guidelines is crucial to providing these patients the best care and preventing exacerbations and hospitalizations.

• Understanding the burden of asthma on the individual patient, the patient’s family, as well as society, you will correctly diagnose asthma in these patients according to the published guidelines.
• Recognizing the importance of following treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes, you will prescribe treatment according to these guidelines.

Target Audience:

This activity was developed to provide the most pertinent information to family physicians, general practitioners, general internists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Along with all involved in the care of patients with asthma.

Accreditation Statement:
Release Date: April 18, 2007
Valid for credit through April 18, 2008

ACCME: Antidote Education Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  Antidote designates this continuing medical education activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category I Credit™.

Faculty & Disclosures:

Michael O. Fleming, MD, FAAFP - Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Comprehensive Care, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA; Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA; Senior Medical Director, Antidote Education Company, Dallas, TX

Dr. Fleming disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Jeffery Zuhl , MD - Private Practice, Pulmonary Consultants, Mesa, AZ; Director of Pulmonary Services, Banner Baywood Heart Hospital, Mesa, AZ

Dr. Zuhl disclosed that he received hororaria from Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer.

Disclaimer: The EB CME credit awarded for this activity was based on practice recommendations that were the most current with the strongest level of evidence available at the time this activity was approved. Since clinical research is ongoing, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that learners verify sources and review these and other recommendations prior to implementation into practice.