Selections from current literature: inhaled steroid use in asthma management

Though our understanding of asthma has improved, its incidence, prevalence and associated death rate have been increasing in most industrialized countries. Inadequate treatment of airway inflammation may explain some of this trend. Steroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory agents and are effective and safe in inhaled form. Together with sodium cromolyn, they should be used more frequently in the management of all types of asthmatics, especially those who require chronic or acute administration of oral steroids.