title: β2-AGONISTS IN CHILDHOOD ASTHMA.
abstract: β2-agonists reduce airflow limitation by improving airway diameter as a consequence of a direct action on airway smooth muscle. β;2-agonists can be broadly classified according to their duration of action: short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs), including albuterol, terbutaline and fenoterol, have pharmacodynamics halflives between 2 and 6 h and long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs), including salmeterol and formoterol, require twice daily treatment. SABAs are often used as needed for asthma exacerbations and before exercise in the presence of exercise-induced bronchospasm. LABAs provide longer symptom control, which is a particularly useful feature for preventing night-time symptoms. There are two main LABAs, salmeterol and formoterol. This review focused on the recent data published on this topic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Women, Child and General and Special Surgery, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miraglia Del Giudice
authors.affiliation: Department of Women, Child and General and Special Surgery, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Campana
authors.affiliation: Department of Women, Child and General and Special Surgery, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galdo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics Genetics and Immunology University of Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Vivo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics Genetics and Immunology University of Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cuppari
authors.affiliation: Department of Women, Child and General and Special Surgery, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coronella
authors.affiliation: Department of Women, Child and General and Special Surgery, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maiello