Long-term impact of inhaled corticosteroid use in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Review of mechanisms that underlie risks

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are frequently prescribed medications for patients with the inflammatory airway diseases asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The broad anti-inflammatory effects of these medications provide a range of beneficial effects on symptoms, exacerbation frequency, and lung function. In asthma, current Global Initiative for Asthma guidance states that all patients (regardless of severity) should be prescribed ICSs, with “as required” combined ICS/β2-agonist therapy recommended for those with mild intermittent disease (avoiding β2-agonist therapy alone) and maintenance ICSs at appropriately increasing doses advocated for greater disease severities.

Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - January 13, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Aran Singanayagam, Sebastian L. Johnston Tags: Paradigms and perspectives Source Type: research