Adrenergic agonists and bronchodilator aerosol therapy in asthma

Bronchodilator therapy with adrenergic agonists in asthma is discussed and the therapeutic efficacy and side effects of various routes of administration of beta agonists are compared. The aerosol administration, the most effective route, is described in detail as to the optimal technique of administration, to the various forms of aerosol therapy, and to the paucity of side effects. Practical aspects of oral beta agonist therapy and its side effects are compared with those of theophylline therapy; for the patients with frequent attacks of severe asthma, a program of self-administration of epinephrine subcutaneously is discussed.