Open AccessRole of antileukotrienes in acute asthma exacerbations
Author(s) -
Domenico Lorenzo Urso,
Daniele Vincenzo,
Lorenzo Formaro,
Ada Federico,
G. Urso
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
reviews in health care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2038-6702
pISSN - 2038-6699
DOI - 10.7175/rhc.v3i2.155
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , asthma exacerbations , b2 receptor , intensive care medicine , asthma management , inhalation , anesthesia , bradykinin , receptor
Acute asthma exacerbations are one of the most frequent reasons to visit the emergency department or general practitioner. Although current standard treatments for acute asthma – including supplemental oxygen, short-acting β2-agonists, systemic corticosteroids and anticholinergics – are quite effective in most patients, they are inadequate for rapid and sustained improvement in a significant proportion. The antileukotrienes, a relatively new class of drugs, have a role in the treatment of chronic asthma. Their relatively rapid onset of action after endovenous or oral administration and their additive effect to β2-agonists led to the hypothesis that they might be of benefit in acute asthma. This review examines the efficacy of antileukotrienes in the treatment of acute asthma.