Optimizing inhaled corticosteroid therapy in children with chronic asthma.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness among children, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective long-term therapy available for suppressing airway inflammation in persistent asthma. While the primary aim of ICS therapy is good efficacy with minimal side effects, early diagnosis and treatment of asthma can also improve asthma control and normalize lung function, and may prevent irreversible airway injury. Poor patient compliance is a major barrier to treatment.

Review of the unique properties of budesonide.

Background: The aim of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for asthma is to attain high therapeutic activity in the airways while keeping the risk of systemic adverse effects relatively low. However, the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of various ICSs affect this ratio, thereby influencing their ability to fulfill the requirements of an ideal agent.

Objective: This article reviews the physical and pharmacokinetic properties of budesonide, outlining how they, safety data, and use of different inhalation devices enable budesonide to meet many of the clinical requirements of an ideal ICS for the treatment of asthma.

Pediatric allergy: a brief review of risk factors associated with developing allergic disease in childhood.

Objective: To briefly review some of the factors that have been implicated in the causation of the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children.

Data Sources: MEDLINE search of original research and review articles related to the various risk factors considered responsible for the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children.

Study Selection: Author selected references.

Efficacy of budesonide in moderate to severe asthma.

Background: The worldwide prevalence of asthma is increasing by approximately 50% per decade. Budesonide is one of several inhaled corticosteroids available for the treatment of asthma and has been extensively evaluated in clinical trials.

Objective: This article reviews the published literature on the efficacy of budesonide in the management of adult and pediatric patients with moderate to severe asthma and compares budesonide with other inhaled corticosteroids and nonsteroidal treatment options.