Pharmacotherapy of patients with stable bronchial asthma

Several reliever and controller medications are available for managing patients with stable asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay of treatment, and can be combined with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) for patients with moderate or severe disease. An ICS-LABA combination is best administered as a single inhaler used for both maintenance and emergency use. A stepwise approach to therapy has recently been proposed as part of Indian guidelines for management of asthma. Clinicians should advise proper use of inhaled medications, and step up or step down treatment based on adequacy of asthma control.