title: Asthma pharmacotherapy.
abstract: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway that leads to airway obstruction via bronchoconstriction, edema, and mucus hypersecretion. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program has outlined evidence-based guidelines to standardize asthma therapy and improve outcomes. The initial recommendation of choice for persistent asthmatic patients is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Long-acting beta-2 agonists in combination with ICS, oral corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and anti-IgE therapeutic options can be considered for patients with persistent or worsening symptoms. Many novel therapies are being developed, with an emphasis on anti-inflammatory mechanisms, gene expression, and cytokine modification.
authors.affiliation: Division of Sinus and Allergy, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Eye and Ear Institute, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, 915 Olentangy River Road, Suite 4000, Columbus, OH 43212, USA. Electronic address: minka.schofield@osumc.edu.
authors.forename: Minka L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schofield
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents
keywords: Anti-IgE therapy; Asthma; Inhaled corticosteroids; Long acting beta agonists; Medications; Short acting beta agonists; Therapy