Clinical management of asthma in the 1990s. Current therapy and new directions

Drugs
P Jain, J A Golish

Abstract

Asthma is a serious global health problem affecting nearly 100 million people worldwide. Its rising prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality are of increasing concern. Traditionally, symptomatic control of bronchoconstriction with beta 2 agonists and theophylline has been the mainstay of therapy. However, during recent years, inflammation has been recognised as the predominant cause of reversible airway obstruction and airway hyperreactivity. As a result, the emphasis in treatment has shifted to the early use of inhaled corticosteroids to control airway inflammation. beta 2 agonists are best used on an as-needed basis for the relief of acute bronchoconstriction and for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma. Sustained release theophylline or an inhaled long-acting beta 2 agonist may effectively control nocturnal symptoms. Preliminary studies involving agents active in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway as preventive therapy are encouraging. Further studies are needed to define their role in the management of asthma.

Citations

Jul 5, 2005·Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs·H J Dyke, J G Montana
Dec 23, 2004·Frontiers in Health Policy Research·William H CrownKenan E Haver
Jan 20, 2006·Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research·C VernaB Melsen
Nov 24, 2004·Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·Ranju GuptaGulshan Kumar

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