Effects of dual therapy with corticosteroids plus long acting β2-agonists in asthma

Asthma is a common condition characterised by inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction. Effective pharmacotherapy must therefore be aimed at attenuating these underlying hallmark features. Despite the use of regular low-to-moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids, many patients remain symptomatic and require further 2nd line controller therapy. The addition of a concomitant tong acting beta(2)-agonist provides an effective means in which to alleviate symptoms and reduce exacerbation frequency. Moreover, both agents can be combined in a single inhaler, and provide patients with a more convenient and effective way in which to deliver treatment to the endobronchial tree. This evidenced-based review article discusses the effects of such combination inhalers upon a variety of outcome parameters and their effects upon asthmatics across a range of severities. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.