Prevention of asthma morbidity: recent advances
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Published on: November 4, 2010
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 19104, USA. zorc@email.chop.edu
Insights
Childhood asthma is rising, with inhaled corticosteroids remaining the most effective treatment for persistent cases. Research also explores other anti-inflammatory agents and environmental control for managing this growing pediatric health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Rising prevalence of childhood asthma and its impact on disability.
- Development of treatment guidelines and clinical research in response to increased morbidity.
- Established role of inhaled corticosteroids in managing persistent asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on asthma management strategies.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of various anti-inflammatory agents.
- To highlight the importance of environmental allergen control and immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and research findings.
- Analysis of therapeutic options including inhaled corticosteroids, cromolyn, and leukotriene receptor antagonists.
- Assessment of evidence for allergen immunotherapy and environmental factor control.
Main Results:
- Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective therapy for persistent asthma-related airway inflammation.
- Potential for leukotriene receptor antagonists and long-acting beta2-agonists to reduce inhaled steroid dosage.
- Demonstrated benefit of cromolyn and leukotriene receptor antagonists in milder asthma cases.
Conclusions:
- Continued research is needed on long-term effects and potency of inhaled corticosteroids.
- Environmental allergen and irritant control is crucial for asthma management.
- Allergen immunotherapy shows increasing promise as a therapeutic option for asthma.
Abstract:
Asthma prevalence has risen substantially in recent decades and is an increasing cause of disability for American children. Concern about the rise in morbidity has led to treatment guidelines and a growing body of clinical research. Recent trials continue to support the role of inhaled corticosteroids as the most effective therapy to control airway inflammation associated with persistent asthma. Growth suppression due to inhaled corticosteroids has also been well documented, although the long-term effects and relative potencies of different agents require further study. Other anti-inflammatory agents such as cromolyn and the new class of leukotriene receptor antagonists have demonstrated benefit in milder patients. Leukotriene receptor antagonists and long-acting beta2-agonists may allow for reduction of inhaled steroid doses. Control of environmental allergens and irritants is essential. New evidence suggests an increasingly important role for allergen immunotherapy.
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