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Inhaled corticosteroid treatment for asthma
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Allergy Proceedings : the Official Journal of Regional and State Allergy Societies
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Early asthma involves airway changes like increased goblet cells. Inhaled corticosteroids can reverse these early pathologic changes, unlike beta 2-agonists, improving asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Early asthma is characterized by goblet cell hyperplasia and ciliated epithelium loss.
- These epithelial changes compromise airway protection and increase secretions, even in mild cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of inhaled corticosteroids versus inhaled beta 2-agonists on early asthma-related airway pathology.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bronchial biopsy findings in asthmatic patients.
- Comparison of treatment effects between inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled beta 2-agonists.
Main Results:
- Inhaled corticosteroids normalized the ciliated to goblet cell ratio and reduced inflammatory infiltrates, including eosinophils.
- Inhaled beta 2-agonists alone did not improve these histologic abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled corticosteroids may reverse early pathologic changes in asthma.
- Early anti-inflammatory therapy with inhaled corticosteroids is crucial for managing asthma progression.