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.
asthma; inhalation therapy; respiratory diseases
