title: Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids: comparison of available therapies.
abstract: Adherence to daily anti-inflammatory therapy, the cornerstone being inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), is critical for the control of persistent asthma. Many factors, both behavioral and treatment-related, can affect treatment adherence. In the pediatric population, adherence is often the responsibility of parents/caregivers. Thus, parents may need improved awareness of the major asthma controller medications, especially regarding the efficacy and safety of ICSs; their beliefs or concerns regarding asthma therapy have a bearing on their diligence in encouraging adherence with the prescribed treatment regimen. Dosing complexity and factors relating to inhaler use are also important components of adherence. There are currently 6 ICSs (excluding nebulized ICSs) approved for children in the United States. The purpose of this review is to examine and compare the features of the available ICSs that may influence adherence in the treatment of pediatric asthma.
authors.affiliation: Boys Town National Research Hospital, Allergy, Asthma & Pediatric Pulmonology, Boys Town, NE 68010, USA. murphyk@boystown.org
authors.forename: Kevin R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents