The role of inflammation and anti-inflammatory medication in asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways involving a wide range of cells and mediators. First-line therapy of persistent asthma involves the use of inhaled corticosteroids to control the underlying inflammation of the airways. Inhaled beta2-agonists are also widely used in asthma therapy and are the most effective bronchodilators currently available. The short-acting beta2-agonists are now used on an as-needed basis for rapid relief of symptoms, In recent years, long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists have had an increasing role in the management of asthma, particularly in patients with moderate to severe asthma. This class of drug has a long duration of action and is recommended as add-on treatment to inhaled corticosteroids in the long-term control of asthma. New therapies have been added to asthma therapy as our understand ng of the pathogenesis of asthma has increased. The use of multiple therapies necessitates a clear understanding of the mode of action of the drugs and any potential interaction or overlap of effect. For many people asthma is associated with complex therapy; thus treatment developments that simplify asthma treatment are an mportant step forward n asthma management.
Barnes
P J
PJ
National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Thoracic Medicine, London, UK. p.j.barnes@ic.ac.uk
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019819:Budesonide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D019819:Budesonide; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate