A nurse is questioned about a long-acting beta2-agonist drug by a patient who experiences persistent, recurrent asthma exacerbations. As prophylactic, the glucocorticoid is used to stop exacerbations.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects a lot of people. In wealthy nations, it is viewed as a major cause of morbidity and a major contributor to the high cost of healthcare.
The two main pathogenic characteristics of asthmatics' airways are inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
Treatment for asthma should be intensified gradually in order to regulate the condition, both for symptom relief and to avoid exacerbations.
This methodical approach, which begins with low dose inhaled corticosteroids and progresses, if necessary, to inhaled corticosteroids combined with long-acting -agonists, will control the majority of instances of asthma.
