Are Inhaled Corticosteroids and Inhaled Corticosteroids/Long-acting β-Agonist of Use in Acute Asthma: an Update on Evidence

Abstract

Treatment of acute asthma exacerbations involves using systemic corticosteroids and short-acting β2-agonists (SABA). In an effort to limit the burden of systemic steroids, recent studies suggest benefit with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in an acute asthma exacerbation. Recent data has demonstrated benefit from the addition of inhaled corticosteroids to systemic steroids, increasing inhaled corticosteroid dose, and adding a separate inhaled corticosteroid inhaler during an exacerbation. Additionally, inhaled corticosteroid and fast-acting long-acting β-agonist (LABA) can be helpful when used in place of a SABA as a reliever of acute symptoms. This review summarizes recent data that demonstrates potential uses of inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled corticosteroids/LABA for the treatment of acute asthma. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the role of inhaled corticosteroids alone and in combination with SABA and LABA across all asthma severities.