title: [Beta-2 adrenergic stimulants in the treatment of asthma: myths and realities].
abstract: In this review paper the authors describe the reasons, sometimes complex, which have given birth to such myths as the abuse of beta 2-stimulants generating status asthmaticus, or patients developing clinical tachyphylaxis to this type of drug. While there is no solid ground to believe that beta 2-stimulants can be blamed for the overmortality due to asthma, and while the indications of beta 2-stimulants delivered by metered-dose aerosols can be extended to chronic asthma, it is still necessary to apply certain safety rules when these drugs are inhaled in high doses or given parenterally. Some patients must be encouraged to use inhaled beta 2-stimulants prophylactically, sometimes combined with cromolyn or inhaled corticosteroids, but these patients, their relatives and their doctor should be taught to evaluate lung function by means of a peak-flow meter. A lack of response to beta 2-stimulants must be taken as a warning that systemic corticosteroids and in some cases admission to hospital are needed.
authors.affiliation: Service de Médecine D, Allergologie et Immunologie clinique, CHR de Brabois, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Maria
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Moneret-Vautrin
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000336:Aerosols; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013618:Tachyphylaxis; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000336:Aerosols; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D013806:Theophylline
vernacular_title: Les bêta 2-mimétiques dans le traitement de l'asthme: mythes et réalités.