Fortnightly review. Modern drug treatment of chronic asthma

摘要

The dose of inhaled steroid should be titrated against asthmatic symptoms, peak flow, and usage of β2 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 β2 agonist drug than a short acting one.