Rational drug strategy in bronchial asthma.

The emphasis in the treatment of bronchial asthma has shifted from that of bronchial hyper-responsiveness to that of airway inflammation. Bronchodilators still form the mainstay of treatment for all categories of asthma. However, only anti-allergic drugs and corticosteroids can modify inflammation and long-term usage offers the hope of suppression of the disease and prevention of progressive airway obstruction. The safety of inhaled steroids has enabled specific treatment to be extended to milder asthma. Correct treatment will not succeed without patient compliance and good inhaler technique. The ultimate aim of therapy is the reduction of morbidity and mortality and the prevention of irreversible airway obstruction.