Currently Available Inhaled Therapies in Asthma and Advances in Drug Delivery and Devices

Medications delivered in the inhaled form remains the cornerstone of medical management of asthma. There have been considerable advances in the development of inhaled medications and devices over the past several decades. Clinicians also have access to regularly updated international guidelines for management of asthma. Despite this, a substantial proportion of children with asthma continue to have persistent poor asthma control and considerable morbidity even in well-resourced settings. The wide selection of medications and devices may complicate clinical decision making. The ideal inhaler would be one that the patient can and will use as advised. One cannot overemphasize the importance of medication adherence and a correct inhaler technique in achieving optimal asthma control. Clinicians who manage children with asthma should have a good understanding of inhaled medications and devices commercially available for the management of asthma and this would help them select the right medication and device for the right patient. This review aims to provide an overview of physiologic basis of inhaler therapy, commonly used inhaled therapies, and the advances in the field of inhaler devices including emerging technologies.