Pharmacologic therapy for asthma

Abstract

Pharmacologic therapy is used to prevent and control asthma symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations, and reverse airflow obstruction. Recommendations in this chapter, based on the 1997 National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report II: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, reflect the scientific concept that asthma is a chronic disorder with recurrent episodes of airflow limitation, mucus production, and cough. Asthma medications are categorized into two general classes: long-term-control medications taken daily on a long-term basis to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma (these medications are also known as long-term preventive, controller, or maintenance medications), and quick-relief medications taken to provide prompt reversal of acute airflow obstruction and relief of accompanying bronchoconstriction (these drugs are also known as reliever or acute rescue medications). Patients with persistent asthma require both classes of medication. Selecting the appropriate pharmacologic therapy to achieve and maintain control of asthma involves several considerations: the medications and their routes of administration, a stepwise approach to managing asthma long-term as a chronic disorder, and the development of an effective clinician-patient partnership strategy where patient education is continuously provided.