Modern drug treatment of chronic asthma

摘要

The dose of inhaled steroid should be titrated against asthmatic symptoms, peak flow, and usage of β_2 agonist drugs. The safest dose of inhaled steroid is the lowest effective maintenance dose producing optimal long term control and quality of life. Adding second line anti-inflammatory controller treatment such as a leukotriene antagonist or theophylline may be an alternative to monotherapy with a high dose of inhaled steroid If control is inadequate despite optimised anti-inflammatory treatment, it is better to add regular treatment with a long acting β_2 agonist drug than a short acting one.