Personal observations on the use of inhaled corticosteroid drugs for chronic asthma.

Topically active inhaled corticosteroid (IC) drugs are highly effective for chronic asthma. Formalized conceptions of "high, low or safe" dosages of these drugs may be less appropriate than one of "optimal dosage". It seems reasonable to formulate a specific goal of treatment, and then fit dosage to the individual needs and tolerances of the patient rather than to a conventionalized "safe" limit, based on averaged data from different and perhaps quite dissimilar subjects. The studies reviewed here illustrate some principles applicable to the effective use of IC drugs.