title: [Inhaled corticosteroids: first-line therapy in asthma].
abstract: The pathology of asthma has clarified that the inflammatory process in the pulmonary airways of the asthmatic patients determines asthma symptom activity primarily. Among the anti-inflammatory agents currently available to treat asthma, glucocorticoids are the most effective, and the topically active agents, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most efficient. In Japan, two ICS are commercially available: beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and fluticasone propionate(FP). Both agents have been widely used and their clinical efficacy (BDP vs FP at half the microgram dose of the BDP) are largely comparable. In order to bring asthmatic patients maximal benefits of the ICS, enhancing treatment compliance and giving educations (including how to use the ICS) are mandatory. New ICS, which have better drug delivery and be topically more potent, will be available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Kobe Nishi City Hospital.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hajiro
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ishihara
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019819:Budesonide; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D006845:Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011282:Pregnenediones; D005466:Fluorocarbons
chemical_list: D000730:Androstadienes; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001507:Beclomethasone; D019819:Budesonide; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006845:Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated; D011282:Pregnenediones; C094049:apaflurane; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C120481:ciclesonide