Outpatient management of asthma

Oral administration of xanthine compounds represents the first line of therapy in most patients with asthma. Establishment and maintenance of a therapeutic blood level of the medication requires regular dosgae. Oral sympathomimetic agents with predominantly beta-2 adrenergic activity, if tolerated, are often useful adjuncts to xanthine therapy. Sympathomimetic aerosols are not recommended. Cromolyn is often a valuable prophlactic agent. Corticosteroid aerosols may be useful in limiting adrenal suppression when steroids are necessary.