Mild exacerbations, defined as <20% reduction in maximal expiratory flow, nocturnal awakenings, and increased dosage of rapid-acting beta2 agonists. Patients can usually be treated at home or in the community if they have an individualized asthma treatment plan that includes graded therapy. Treatment at home or in the community consists mainly of repeated inhalation of rapid-acting β2 agonists, with two to four sprays every 20 min during the first hour. Subsequently, depending on the response to treatment, mild acute attacks can be adjusted to 2-4 sprays every 3-4h, and moderate acute attacks 6-10 sprays every 1-2h. Fast-acting long-acting β2 agonists such as formoterol have a long duration of action and side effects comparable to those of short-acting β2 agonists. It is recommended to increase the number of formoterol/budesonide inhalations early in the acute attack to prevent or reduce the severity of the acute attack. If the response to inhaled β2 agonists is good (PEF > 80% expected or personal best and efficacy is maintained for 3-4 h), no other medication is usually required. If the response to therapy is incomplete, especially in acute attacks occurring on the basis of controlled therapy, oral glucocorticoids (prednisolone 0.5 to 1 mg/kg or equivalent doses of other hormones) should be administered as early as possible, and hospital visits should be made if necessary.