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Mild persistent asthma — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareMild persistent asthmaUSMLE Step 3

A 29-year-old woman has wheezing and cough twice weekly and wakes with symptoms twice monthly. Peak flow improves after albuterol. She has no exercise limitation between episodes and no prior hospitalization. Examination is normal today. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Start low-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy

Mild persistent asthma requires anti-inflammatory controller therapy, usually an inhaled corticosteroid strategy.

Reference: Current US clinical practice standards and USMLE Step 3 content outline, https://www.usmle.org/exam-resources/step-3-materials