Table 1 Recommendations of step1/2 treatments in different guidelines

GINA [1]

Preferred controller choice, none;

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, LTRA, theophylline;

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

NAEPP [13]

Preferred controller choice, none;

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, none;

Other controller option, cromolyn, LTRA, nedocromil, theophylline;

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

British Guideline on the Management of Asthma [53]

Preferred controller choice, none;

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, none;

Other controller option, chromones, LTRA, theophylline;

Reliever, as-needed SABA, inhaled ipratropium bromide or theophylline.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

The Chinese guideline for Asthma Management and Prevention [54]

Preferred controller choice, none;

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, LTRA, ICS/LABA;

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Spanish guideline on the management of asthma [55]

Preferred controller choice, none;

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS, LTRA;

Other controller option, none;

Other controller option, chromones, theophylline;

Reliever, as-needed SABA, inhaled anticholinergic.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Japanese guidelines for adult asthma [56]

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS;

Preferred controller choice, ICS/LABA;

Other controller option, LTRA, theophylline;

Other controller option, low to medium dose ICS, ICS and LTRA, ICS and theophylline;

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

The Saudi Initiative for Asthma [57]

Preferred controller choice, none;

Preferred controller choice, low dose ICS;

Other controller option, none;

Other controller option, LTRA;

Reliever, as-needed SABA.

Reliever, as-needed SABA.