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Alternative treatments for severe, chronic asthma
1University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa.
Allergy Proceedings : the Official Journal of Regional and State Allergy Societies
|January 1, 1993
Summary
New anti-inflammatory asthma treatments aim to improve lung function and reduce reliance on systemic glucocorticoids. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these alternative therapies for chronic asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Current chronic asthma management relies on anti-inflammatory drugs and environmental control.
- Potent inhaled glucocorticoids are available, but some patients still require systemic glucocorticoids.
- Systemic glucocorticoids have significant side effects, prompting the search for alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nonglucocorticoid anti-inflammatory agents for chronic asthma.
- To emphasize clinical experience with these alternative asthma treatments.
- To assess their potential to improve airway function and reduce systemic glucocorticoid use.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nonglucocorticoid anti-inflammatory agents.
- Emphasis on clinical data and patient outcomes.
- Identification of agents with potential benefits in asthma management.
Main Results:
- Several nonglucocorticoid agents show promise in managing chronic asthma.
- These alternatives may help maximize airway function.
- Potential to minimize the need for systemic glucocorticoids and their side effects.
Conclusions:
- Nonglucocorticoid anti-inflammatory agents represent a potential advancement in asthma care.
- Clinical experience suggests benefits in managing chronic asthma.
- Further rigorous studies, including double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, are essential to establish their definitive role.