Recent advances in corticosteroids for the treatment of asthma.

The currently available therapy for asthma is highly effective and is able to control the disease in the majority of patients. There are two types of treatments for asthma: rapid relief of symptoms, used as needed and long-term control, used on a regular basis. Rapid relief is provided by short-acting beta2-agonists and anticholinergics. The control of asthma is achieved by treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), theophylline, long acting beta2-agonists and antileukotrienes. Beta2-agonists and corticosteroids dominate asthma therapy, with over 65% of the market share. Corticosteroids are the most effective drugs available to clinicians for the control of inflammation in patients with asthma. ICS have revolutionized the treatment of asthma and are now the first-line treatment for chronic asthma in all ages.