Inhaled corticosteroids (budesonide): the cornerstone of asthma therapy--what are the options?
The clinical value of corticosteroids in treating asthma has long been recognised. Major advances in the use of these drugs came with the introduction of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and the recognition that even mild asthma has an inflammatory component. ICS are now considered as first-line therapy in all asthma treatment guidelines. Over the past decade there has been clarification of the dose-response relationship with ICS and confirmation of the general long-term efficacy and safety of these drugs in both adults and children. Recent work has focused on simplifying dosing regimens and investigating flexibility of dosing. Moreover, ICS can be used in combination with other agents such as long-acting inhaled beta(2)-agonists to provide effective asthma control in patients with persistent asthma not adequately controlled on ICS alone. Thus, ICS remain the cornerstone of modern asthma therapy.
Angus
R M
RM
University Hospital Aintree, Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 6AL, UK. Robmangus@aol.com
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006801:Humans
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019819:Budesonide