Recent advances in the management of childhood asthma

Abstract

The role of anti-inflammatory therapy in the treatment of bronchial asthma is increasingly being recognised. The treatment of chronic asthma is moving away from beta2-agonists and theophylline as these do not treat the underlying airway hyper-reactivity and are also associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The roles of inhaled steroids, cromoglycate, and beta2-agonists, theophylline and ketotifen in the present day management of asthma are explored. The application of these new advances to patient management is included with emphasis to the context of general practice. The choice of inhaler therapy in the local context is discussed.