The role of inhaled steroids in the treatment of asthma.
The role of corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory agents is examined. A review of the evidence shows that inhaled corticosteroids are not entirely free of side effects. However, their risk:benefit ratio is clearly better than that of systemic steroids or under-treatment. There appears to be little to choose between different inhaled corticosteroids in terms of clinical usefulness. The preference of many physicians for using inhaled corticosteroids or theophylline as first-line drugs in the treatment of asthma is questioned. New studies have shown cromolyn sodium to be equally effective as theophylline, but much safer. The widely held belief that cromolyn sodium is not effective in adults is incorrect. Although the response in children is much better, cromolyn sodium is still beneficial in many adults. Inhaled corticosteroids are more potent than cromolyn sodium, but in the author's opinion cromolyn sodium is still the preferred first-line agent because of its greater safety.
König
P
P
Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
D005938:Glucocorticoids