Conceptos básicos sobre la utilización de corticoides inhalados en el tratamiento de la exacerbación asmática

The use of systemic corticosteroids reduces hospitalizations in patients suffering an asthma attack and improves lung function within 6 to 12 hours of administration. However, despite the considerable body of positive evidence published in the last decade, doubts remain in regard to the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids. Analysis of this evidence has been cursory; crucial data on the mechanism of action of corticosteroids have been overlooked and there has been a failure to distinguish between antiinflammatory effects and so-called nongenomic effects. This review considers the biological basis for the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and analyzes the best data available on the use and therapeutic implications of inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of asthma exacerbations.