ASTHMA CONTROL USING A SINGLE INHALER - NEW STRATEGY OF ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Combination inhalers (inhaled glucocorticoids/inhaled long-acting β2-agonist) are very effective in asthma management, as they have complementary actions on the pathophysiology of asthma. Clinical trials have demonstrated that a single inhaler (budesonide/formoterol) can be used for maintenance and relief, and has been described as the single inhaler for maintenance and relief therapy (SMART) approach. The treatment with a SMART approach markedly reduced the number of severe exacerbations and improved asthma symptom control compared with the other treatments.