Inhaled corticosteroids for the prevention of asthma exacerbations.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the risk factors and mechanisms underlying asthma exacerbations and the role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in preventing exacerbations.

DATA SOURCES: Queries for asthma exacerbations and ICSs were conducted using PubMed, searching for primary articles and reviews.

STUDY SELECTIONS: Studies written in English, with a focus on well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials.

RESULTS

Asthma exacerbations remain a major source of morbidity, with future exacerbations most likely among patients with previous exacerbations and among those with peripheral blood eosinophilia. Exacerbations are often triggered by viral respiratory tract infections, but recent evidence supports nonviral triggers as well. In terms of exacerbation prevention, several approaches to ICS therapy have been found to be effective, including intermittent high-dose ICS without use of background controller in preschool children with recurrent episodic wheezing, intermittent high-dose ICS without use of background controller in adults with mild asthma, and as-needed ICS dosing whenever rescue treatment is needed among children, adolescents, and adults with mild asthma not receiving daily controller therapy.

CONCLUSION

ICSs are highly effective in preventing exacerbations of asthma. Multiple dosing strategies have been found to reduce exacerbation risk, allowing for a personalization of approaches based on individual patient phenotypes and preferences.