Comparison of a beta-2-agonist, terbutaline, with an inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, in newly detected asthma

Article Abstract:

Asthma treatment has usually consists of the use of bronchodilators to open the airways. Theophylline and beta-2-agonists, two classes of drugs that improve the flow of air being expelled from the lungs, do not treat the underlying inflammation that causes changes in the mucous membranes in the airway. The effects of terbutaline, a beta-2-agonist, and budesonide, a steroid, were compared in 97 newly diagnosed asthma patients who were followed-up over two years. Both drugs were administered by inhalation. Budesonide produced greater improvement in both objective and subjective measures. During the first 12 weeks of treatment most patients taking budesonide improved and did not need further medication. During this period, the use of a supplemental medication decreased by 70 percent among those taking budesonide, and increased by 21 percent among those taking terbutaline. A different study has suggested that the use of beta-2-agonists causes a deterioration in the control of asthma in most patients over time because it temporarily relieves symptoms without affecting the underlying inflammation. Peak expiratory flow (PEF, the rate of breath, in liters per minute, that is breathed out from the lungs) increased, and less supplemental medication was needed with budesonide, and the asthma symptom scores of the patients were much lower. In addition, more of the patients taking terbutaline stopped taking the medication because their symptoms worsened, and they required more therapy with other asthma medications. Early use of inhaled steroids, such as budesonide, may improve asthma symptoms, and lead to long-lasting remission, decreased mortality, and lower treatment costs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Terbutaline

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A comparison of low-dose inhaled budesonide plus theophylline and high-dose inhaled budesonide for moderate asthma

Article Abstract:

Treatment of persistent asthma with oral theophylline and low-dose inhaled budesonide may provide similar improvements as treatment with high-dose inhaled glucocorticoids. Sixty-two asthmatic patients still symptomatic while using high-dose inhaled budesonide were randomly assigned to treatment with either low inhaled dosages and oral theophylline or the standard high-dose treatment. All patients showed improvements in lung function, while the theophylline group showed greater enhancement in two areas of performance. Theophylline was given at dosages lower than established therapeutic values. This strategy could avoid side effects from both theophylline and glucocorticoid therapy, and also cost less.

Theophylline

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Long-term treatment with inhaled budesonide in persons with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who continue smoking

Article Abstract:

Inhaled corticosteroids do not significantly improve lung function in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers randomly assigned 912 smokers with COPD to take inhaled budesonide twice a day for three years. Although lung function in those who took inhaled budesonide improved somewhat in the short term, over the long term, lung function continued to decline in both groups.

Lung diseases, Obstructive, Chronic obstructive lung disease

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