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Pharmacology Update: Emergency and Controller Medications for Treatment of Asthma
Anil Nanda1, Anne F Russell2, Theresa A Bingemann3
1Allergist/Immunologist, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, Asthma and Allergy Center, Lewisville and Flower Mound, TX.
Insights
Childhood asthma is a common chronic condition impacting millions of children. Effective asthma management involves fast-acting symptom relief and controller medications like inhaled corticosteroids and newer biologics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is the most prevalent noncommunicable chronic childhood disease in the U.S., affecting over 5 million children.
- It is a primary cause of school absenteeism among children.
- Current asthma treatments are categorized into fast-acting symptom relievers and slower-acting controller medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current asthma treatments for children.
- To highlight the different classes of medications used for asthma management.
- To introduce novel biologic therapies for asthma control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on asthma pharmacotherapy.
- Categorization of asthma medications based on mechanism of action and usage.
- Discussion of delivery devices and adjuncts for medication efficacy.
Main Results:
- Fast-acting medications like Albuterol are crucial for symptom relief.
- Controller therapies, primarily inhaled corticosteroids, are foundational for asthma management.
- Other controller options include long-acting beta agonists, antimuscarinics, antileukotrienes, and emerging biologics.
Conclusions:
- A multi-faceted approach combining fast-acting and controller medications is essential for effective asthma care.
- Optimizing medication delivery through devices like spacers can enhance treatment outcomes.
- Biologics represent a significant advancement in managing severe or persistent asthma.
Abstract:
Asthma is the most common noncommunicable chronic childhood disease, affecting more than 5 million children in the United States. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. Treatments for asthma are divided into fast-acting medications that are used to relieve symptoms and slower acting (controller) medications that prevent symptoms. Albuterol is the most common fast acting medication for asthma, and it exists in multiple forms, including metered-dose inhaler and nebulized therapy. The use of spacers and holding chambers can further improve medication deposition in the airway. The cornerstone controller therapy for asthma is inhaled corticosteroid. Other medications for asthma include long-acting beta agonists, long-acting antimuscarinics, and antileukotrienes. The newest agents for controller asthma therapies are biologics.
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