Treatment of Asthma

Author: V. Dimov, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at University of Chicago
Reviewer: S. Randhawa, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at NSU

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease, affecting up to 10% of adults and 30% of children (JACI, 2011).

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA): Achievements in 10 years and future needs. ARIA has reclassified AR as mild/moderate-severe and intermittent/persistent. This classification closely reflects patients' needs and underlines the close relationship between rhinitis and asthma. http://buff.ly/QL1eYI

This is a very brief summary that will be updated.

Asthma classification and treatment for each stage.


Immunomodulators for allergic disorders, basic mind map.


Immunomodulators for allergic disorders, complete mind map.


Cytokine targets for immunomodulators for allergic disorders.

One of the changes between the asthma guidelines from 1997 (Second Expert Panel Report EPR2, 1997) and 2007 (Third Report, EPR3, 2007) is the concept of risk for future asthma.

Patients should continue their controller medications to reduce their future risk.

References

Immunomodulators for allergic respiratory disorders. Casale TB, Stokes JR. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Feb;121(2):288-96; quiz 297-8.


Asthma Inhalers - Factoring the Cost (click to enlarge the image).

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)

Relative binding affinity for glucocorticoid receptor (GR): mometasone > fluticasone > budesonide > triamcinolone.

Relative anti-inflammatory potency: mometasone = fluticasone > budesonide = beclomethasone > triamcinolone.

Related Reading

Pharmacotherapy of Mild Persistent Asthma - comprehensive review, 2011.

The Goals of Asthma Management. Dr. Neil Kao Allergy and Asthma Website, 2010.
Timeline of Major Advances in Treatment of Asthma from 1812 through 2012 - NEJM, 2012.

Published: 04/04/2010
Updated: 10/04/2012