Praktické lekárnictvo 2/2012

The current possibilities of the treatment of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by bronchial hyperreactivity and a variable degree of the airway obstruction. The basis of asthma treatment is long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. The most advisable therapy of bronchial asthma is combination of inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting beta2-adrenomimetic drugs (the optimal in the form of fixed combinations). As alternative therapy the modifiers of leukotriens could be used in adult patients. In the patients with allergic asthma could be used anti-IgE and anthistaminics. The rapid-acting inhaled beta2-adrenomimetics are used for rapid symptomatic relief of acute bronchospasm attacks. Except therapy are also important preventive measures and patient education.

Keywords: bronchial asthma, corticosteroids, beta2-adrenomimetics, leucotriens, metylxanthines.