[Current recommendation for asthma treatment]

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized chronic inflammation of respiratory tract, reversible bronchial obturation and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Typical symptoms of asthma are cough, wheezing and dyspnea. Diagnosis should be based on positive reversibility test with beta2-agonist. In the management of asthma patient education, allergen avoidance and anti-inflammatory treatment should be always implemented. Recently fast and long acting beta2-agonist was introduced with great success. Combination treatment with long acting beta2-agonists and topical glucocorticosteroids for patients with moderate and severe chronic asthma is recommended. We can also consider antileukotrienes and long acting theophylline as an option in patients not fully controlled by inhaled steroids. Patient with asthma should be always examined closely for chronic rhinitis and treated accordingly with antihistaminic drugs. Atopic asthma can be also treated with immunotherapy. With new drugs for asthma we can achieve full control of disease symptoms without unwanted side effects.