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Evolution of asthma treatments
1Institute for Asthma and Allergy at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.
Annals of Allergy
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Asthma treatment has evolved significantly due to better understanding of its causes and new therapies. This review covers specific and symptomatic approaches, weighing their pros, cons, and current controversies for effective asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma treatment has dramatically advanced over the last 20 years.
- Increased understanding of asthma pathophysiology and potent therapeutic agents drive these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current asthma treatment strategies from a pathophysiologic perspective.
- To focus on the roles and efficacy of specific versus symptomatic therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on asthma pathophysiology and treatment.
- Analysis of specific therapies (allergen avoidance, immunotherapy, cromolyn, corticosteroids) and symptomatic therapies (beta agonists, theophylline, anticholinergics).
- Discussion of major controversies in asthma management.
Main Results:
- Specific therapies target underlying asthma processes to reduce symptoms and medication needs.
- Symptomatic therapies manage asthma symptoms without altering the disease's cause.
- Key controversies include beta-agonist use and asthma deaths, theophylline toxicity, and immunotherapy efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Current asthma management involves a spectrum of specific and symptomatic therapies.
- Understanding the pathophysiologic basis is crucial for selecting appropriate asthma treatments.
- Ongoing research and debate address safety and efficacy concerns for various asthma medications.