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Effect of corticosteroids on airway hyperresponsiveness
1Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Brompton Hospital, London, England.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in managing chronic asthma by suppressing airway inflammation and reducing bronchial hyperresponsiveness. They are recommended as a first-line therapy to decrease reliance on bronchodilators.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Allergy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and asthma symptoms are associated with chronic airway inflammation.
- Corticosteroids are known to alleviate BHR and asthma symptoms, likely by suppressing allergic inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms by which corticosteroids reduce BHR and asthma symptoms.
- To evaluate the role of inhaled corticosteroids as a first-line therapy for chronic asthma.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews the proposed mechanisms of action for corticosteroids in asthma.
- It discusses the impact on inflammatory cells (macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, mast cells) and airway microvascular leak.
- The review considers the effects on both immediate and late asthmatic responses.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroids likely suppress allergic inflammatory responses, inhibiting late-phase BHR following allergen exposure.
- Chronic administration may reduce mast cell numbers, mitigating immediate responses to allergens and exercise.
- Inhaled corticosteroids demonstrate a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled corticosteroids are a safe and effective first-line treatment for chronic asthma.
- Their primary benefit lies in suppressing airway inflammation and reducing the need for bronchodilator medications.