This animation illustrates the pattern of inflammation characteristic of asthma, involving several inflammatory cells and multiple mediators that result in pathophysiological changes.
Inhaled glucocorticosteroids are currently the most effective anti-inflammatory medications for the treatment of persistent asthma.
Leukotriene modifiers have a small and variable bronchodilator effect, reduce symptoms including cough, improve lung function, and reduce airway inflammation and asthma exacerbations.
For patients with severe allergic asthma who are uncontrolled on inhaled glucocorticosteriods, Anti-IgE therapy may be an option in the context of elevated serum levels of IgE.
Most effective when combined with inhaled glucocorticosteroids, this combination therapy is the preferred treatment when a medium dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroid alone fails to achieve asthma control.
Rapid-acting inhaled ß2-agonists are the medications of choice for relief of bronchocontriction and for the pretreatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
The inflammatory aspect of asthma and the role of reliever and controller therapies in establishing asthma control are depicted in this animation, to aid the patient in understanding the importance of symptom monitoring and medication adherence.