Long-acting beta-2 agonists. An attempted response to various questions which can be posed by pneumonologists.
The use of long acting beta 2 agonists is an undeniable improvement in the treatment of certain types of asthma. It enables better control of unstable asthma, improves and gives a superior quality of life. Current work confirms however that when used in the long term they ought to be associated with anti-inflammatory treatment. If they do not produce any important secondary effects, even when used for a long period, it is not currently possible to confirm that their prolonged use does not change the intensity of their bronchodilator effect and/or the intensity of the bronchodilator effect of the short acting beta 2 stimulants. Some studies have shown that their addition to basic treatment with inhaled steroids is more effective than increasing the inhaled steroids. Other studies are necessary to know if they may enable the reduction in inhaled corticosteroids and how far.
Vervloet
D
D
Service de Pneumo-allergologie, UPRES 2050, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille.
Magnan
A
A
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013256:Steroids