[Mechanism of action and mode of administration of high-dose inhaled corticotherapy in the treatment of asthma].

The commercial availability of high-dose inhaled corticosteroid preparations for the treatment of asthma offers an occasion for reviewing the different mechanisms of action of glucocorticoids notably glucocorticoids, notably their interference with lipocortin protein synthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism. A favourable effect on bronchial hyper-reactivity and on delayed hypersensitivity reactions has also been observed. The problems raised by the various preparations responsible for varying degrees of systemic activity, the difficulties inherent in the use of inhalers and the side-effects of these products are discussed. The effectiveness and safety of the current high-dose inhaled preparations are emphasized.