[Beta 2-mimetics--mechanism of action and their place in treatment of bronchospastic states].

Beta 2-agonists have been widely recommended for the treatment of acute asthma attacks and they have also been used in the maintenance treatment of asthma, as a second stage treatment when the patients requires a higher level of control than can be provided by the use of bronchodilator on demand. This maintenance use has been questioned however, as some studies have suggested deteriorating asthma control in patients receiving regular treatment with beta 2-agonists compared to their use only on demand. Recently some studies of limited numbers of asthma patients have indicated that regular inhalation of short-acting beta 2-agonists may slightly increase bronchial responsiveness. Most studies however have failed to identify such an effect, which, if it exists, may be of little clinical significance. International Consensus Reports, that regularly scheduled be kept to a minimum. When there is a need for regular daily bronchodialator treatment, a steroid inhaler should be ordered.