Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART)
Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) uses one combined inhaler for prevention and relief of asthma symptoms. It contains steroid and a fast acting long-acting beta agonist (LABA). Examples of inhalers which can be used in MART for over 12 years of age are Symbicort and DuoResp Spiromax.
Advantages of MART:
- Airway inflammation is treated when the patient is symptomatic, as well as providing relief
- Improves adherence with asthma medications
- Reduces the likelihood of asthma attacks and hospital admission
- As many MART inhalers are dry powder inhalers, it offers an inhaler with lower carbon emissions
MART may not be suitable for all patients, and they must be included in the decision to start MART as they must understand their asthma symptoms, when to use their reliever and when to seek help. Additionally, they must be able to use a dry powder device if this is chosen.
MART action plans are available here: https://shop.asthmaandlung.org.uk/collections/new-shop-hcp/products/mart-asthma-action-plan