From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment for asthma involves a stepwise approach tailored to symptom severity, with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) forming the cornerstone of therapy for persistent asthma, as supported by 1. For mild intermittent asthma, short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol are the primary treatment. Key points to consider in asthma management include:
- The use of controller medications such as ICS, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), and leukotriene receptor antagonists for persistent asthma, as outlined in 1.
- Combination therapy with LABAs and ICS for patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled with ICS alone, as recommended in 1 and 1.
- The importance of a rescue inhaler and an asthma action plan for all patients, as well as regular follow-up to adjust treatment based on symptom control.
- Additional controllers such as leukotriene modifiers, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, or biologics may be considered for moderate to severe asthma, as mentioned in 1 and 1.
- Management of asthma exacerbations involves immediate care, close observation, and treatment with oxygen, inhaled beta2-agonists, and systemic corticosteroids, as summarized in 1. Regular assessment and adjustment of treatment are crucial to achieve and maintain control of symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with asthma, as emphasized in 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For oral inhalation only. • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub® 100/50, Wixela Inhub® 250/50, or Wixela Inhub® 500/50 twice daily. • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 to 11 years: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub® 100/50 twice daily.
The recommended treatment for asthma is:
- For patients aged 12 years and older: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub (100/50,250/50, or 500/50) twice daily.
- For patients aged 4 to 11 years: 1 inhalation of Wixela Inhub (100/50) twice daily. Alternatively, montelukast can be used for the long-term management of asthma in adults and children ages 12 months and older, taken once a day in the evening 2 3.
From the Research
Asthma Treatment Overview
- Asthma treatment typically involves the use of inhaled medications, including beta-agonists and corticosteroids 4.
- The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, improve lung function, and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
Recommended Treatment Approach
- Short-acting beta-agonists are recommended for use only as needed, which should be relatively infrequent 4.
- Long-acting beta-agonists are indicated in individuals whose asthma is not well controlled on moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroid, and are complementary to, not a replacement for, inhaled corticosteroid therapy 4.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) form the basis of maintenance therapy in asthma, and the optimal starting dose of ICS is not clearly established 5, 6.
- Commencing with a moderate dose ICS is equivalent to commencing with a high dose ICS and down-titrating, and initial moderate ICS dose appears to be more effective than initial low ICS dose 5, 6.
Comparison of Treatment Options
- Fluticasone and formoterol appear to provide improved therapeutic benefits versus budesonide and salmeterol, respectively 7.
- Single inhaler combination regimens (budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol) are frequently more effective in improving treatment outcomes than either monotherapy alone 7.
- Low dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy may be as effective as high dose therapy for inflammation and remodeling in asthma 8.