[Asthma therapy in children. Value of long acting beta-mimetic drugs and anti-leukotrienes].
In recent years, new therapeutic options have become available for the treatment of bronchial asthma in childhood. In children older than five years, long-acting beta mimetics are now an accepted medication, especially for severe forms of asthma or significant nocturnal symptoms. These new drugs should be prescribed only in combination with inhaled steroids. An effect of these beta mimetics on the inflammatory reactions underlying asthma is not to be expected. The second new therapeutic approach is the use of antileukotrienes, which are of particular help in children with a compliance problem vis-a-vis inhaled steroids, although their antiobstructive effect is weaker than that of beta mimetics or medium- or high-dose inhaled steroids. Whether the combination of these drugs with inhaled steroids can improve asthma control or reduce the use of steroids in children remains to be elucidated.
Nicolai
T
T
Dr. von Hauner'schen Kinderspitals, LMU München. tnicolai@kk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists