Abstract

MOURA, José Augusto Rubim de; CAMARGOS, Paulo Augusto Moreira  and  BLIC, Jacques de. Prophylactic treatment of asthma. J. Pediatr. (Rio J.) [online]. 2002, vol.78, suppl.2, pp. 141-150. ISSN 0021-7557.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0021-75572002000800005.

Objective: to review basic concepts, inhalation therapy, classification of asthma and peculiarities of asthma in developing countries. Sources: direct search in the Medline, HighWire and MD Consult databases. Summary of the findings: inhaled corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for the treatment of asthma. Alternatively, other drugs, such as long-acting beta-agonists and antileukotrienes could be considered. Conclusions: at an individual level, asthma treatment presents a satisfactory outcome. However, the great challenge for public health professionals and authorities is to provide treatment for asthmatic patients from low-income families living in developing countries.

Keywords : asthma; inhalation therapy; respiratory diseases.