title: Clinical aspects of anti-inflammatory therapy in asthma.
abstract: Anti-inflammatory therapy is now considered first-line treatment for mild to moderate asthma. Corticosteroids remain the most potent anti-inflammatory therapy available (although their mode of action is not clearly understood), and recent investigations suggest that earlier institution of anti-inflammatory therapy may be more beneficial than delayed therapy in newly diagnosed asthmatic patients. Inhaled corticosteroids have far fewer adverse effects than their oral counterparts; however, their risks must be carefully considered before use in mild asthma. These drugs can cause alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, alter bone metabolism, and suppress growth in children. The potential long-term risk of these alterations remains the topic of much debate.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Busse
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013256:Steroids
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013256:Steroids