title: [Endobronchial bronchodilators].
abstract: There are two families of inhaled bronchodilators: beta-2-mimetics and vagolytics. They are equally effective in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas beta-mimetics are usually superior in asthmatics. The clinical benefits linked to long acting beta-mimetics like salmeterol are already established in asthmatics. Metered dose aerosols remain the most widely used type of inhaler, eventually connected to a spacer, together with powder inhalers. Usual bronchodilators are now prescribed on demand rather than on a regular basis. There is no proof that beta-mimetics are casually related to asthma deaths. Inhaled corticosteroids, which have no acute bronchospasmolytic properties, are the first-choice chronic drug treatment of moderate to severe asthma; they are currently being evaluated in COPD.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yernault
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids
vernacular_title: Les bronchodilatateurs endobronchiques.