Steroids and "steroid-sparing" agents in asthma.

Asthma is a disease characterized by an increase in airway reactivity together with a propensity for the airways to constrict in response to a variety of stimuli.1 The cumulative prevalence of this disorder in America is estimated to be between 5 and 7 percent.2 Prompt, regular, and aggressive therapy with inhaled beta-adrenergic agents, theophylline, cromolyn, or any combination of these is the cornerstone of treatment. If symptoms or changes in airway function persist despite administration of these agents in an appropriate dosage, systemic corticosteroids may be indicated. Fortunately, the majority of patients may be successfully treated either without systemic corticosteroids . . .

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