| Abstrakt: |
The pathophysiology of asthma is briefly reviewed and the primary modalities of drug therapy are described. Symptoms of asthma are the result of bronchospasm, increased mucous secretion, and inflammation of the airways. An acute attack is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt treatment. Acute exacerbations are primarily treated with β-2 agonists by inhalation, with the addition of methylprednisolone and aminophylline as needed. The mainstay of therapy in chronic asthma is prophylaxis with theophylline, with cromolyn sodium as an alternative in certain patients. The addition of β-2 agonists, corticosteroids, or anticholinergics may be necessary, depending upon the severity and frequency of the attacks. The mechanisms of action of the standard therapeutic agents are reviewed, along with the dosages, side effects, and major drug interactions. Newer agents under investigation are also described, some of which represent totally new pharmacologic approaches to the therapy of asthma, such as H-1 receptor blockers, platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists, and calcium channel blockers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] |
