NEW ASPECTS IN THE THERAPY OF ASTHMA

There appears to be a transition in the therapy of asthma. Based on th e observation that the substrate of asthma is a chronic bronchial infl ammatory reaction an early antiinflammatory therapy with inhaled stero ids is now considered to be a central element in the treatment of this disease. Inhaled beta2-agonists should be used, when required, only, because they act symptomatically, i.e., they are spasmolytics without antiinflammatory activity. Inhaled long acting beta2-agonists are to b e used in combination with inhaled steroids. Theophylline and oral ste roids remain an important medication to control severe forms of asthma , The step-wise escalating therapy of a status asthmaticus is discusse d as well as the special precautions to be considered when ventilating patients with a severe asthma attack.