Concurrent therapy (long acting beta agonists and inhaled corticosteroids) in the management of asthma.
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a clinical syndrome characterised by chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract in which many cells and cellular elements play a role, in particular mast cells, eosinophils, T-lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and epithelial cells. Patients often require long-term anti-inflammatory and reliever drugs to achieve a normal life. This review aims to highlight role of concurrent therapy in the optimal management of asthma.


METHODS
A review of relevant literature was conducted using available medical journals and Science direct via the Internet. The key words employed were: asthma, concurrent therapy, long acting beta agonists and corticosteroids. British Thoracic Society and The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute websites were also used in sourcing information for this review.


RESULTS
Several studies support adding long acting beta agonists (LABA) to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) than doubling the dose of ICS. This improves lung function, symptoms control and allows the dose of each drug to be adjusted to the patients'needs.


CONCLUSIONS
This review was able to show that concurrent use LABA and ICS in asthmatics helps in adjusting their treatment within limits hence achieving control of the condition with minimal side effects.
Saleh
J A
JA
School of Postgraduate Medicine, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London. drjalals@yahoo.com
Ind
P W
PW
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations