Maintenance therapy for obstructive lung disease. How to achieve the best response with the fewest agents.

Asthma is now thought to be primarily an inflammatory condition with secondary bronchospasm; hence, the mainstay of maintenance therapy is an inhaled anti-inflammatory drug, either a corticosteroid (especially in adults) or a mast-cell stabilizer (especially in children). Inhaled beta agonists are reserved for acute exacerbations and systemic corticosteroids for severe refractory disease. Oral theophylline is sometimes helpful, especially for nocturnal exacerbations. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema almost always stem from cigarette smoking. Bronchospasm is the predominant cause of symptoms, and maintenance therapy with an inhaled anticholinergic (eg, ipratropium bromide [Atrovent]) is the best approach. If symptoms are not controlled, an inhaled bronchodilator should be added. An oral or inhaled corticosteroid benefits a minority of patients. Theophylline is especially helpful for chronic bronchitis and nocturnal exacerbations.