Asthma Management Considerations for the Otolaryngologist: Current Therapies

Asthma is frequently comorbid with chronic rhinosinusitis. First-line pharmacologic intervention for asthma includes combination-inhaled corticosteroids with a long-acting-β-agonist, preferably formoterol. Although short-acting-β-agonists have historically been used as sole rescue option, studies show that this approach can lead to more asthma-related exacerbations and greater mortality. Similarly, oral corticosteroids should be used sparingly due to their significant adverse effect profile. Nonpharmacological interventions for asthma include counseling on modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, physical activity, occupational exposures, and healthy diets. Management of patients with unified airway disease should incorporate a multidisciplinary team consisting of otolaryngologists and asthma specialists.