[Indication and effect of inhaled DSCG for the treatment of adult asthmatics].

International guidelines have recommended the early use of anti-inflammatory therapy in the treatment of asthma. Currently available anti-inflammatory agents include the corticosteroid hormones and the non-steroid drugs, nedocromil sodium (currently not available in Japan) and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In general, DSCG has shown clinical activity in atopic young patients with mild asthma who do not require inhaled corticosteroids as maintenance therapy. However, nebulised DSCG showed early, significant improvements in symptoms and peak expiratory flow rate in non-atopic as well as atopic asthmatics with severe asthma who require high doses of inhaled and oral corticosteroids as maintenance therapy. In adult asthmatics, it is important that the choice of mode of administration of DSCG is made according to asthma severity, such as using metered dose inhaler (MDI) for mild asthma and the nebulised formulation for more severe asthma.