Effects of asthma treatment: the present and future

Abstract

The increasing burden of asthma in both primary and secondary care has led to extensive research into its genetics, pathophysiology and treatment over the past few decades. Inhaled corticosteroids remain an integral component in all but the mildest disease, although despite a low-to-moderate dose, many individuals remain symptomatic. In patients with persistent symptoms despite inhaled corticosteroids, a variety of different nonsteroidal second-line therapies are available as add-on therapy. In this review, existing and potential future pharmacological strategies involved in the management of asthma will be highlighted.

Keywords::

• anti-IgE
• asthma
• inflammation
• inhaled corticosteroid
• leukotriene receptor antagonist
• long-acting β₂-agonist
• lung function
• phosphodiesterase inhibitors
• tumor necrosis factor