Interactions between long-acting β2-agonists and glucocorticoids

Long acting β2-agonists and glucocorticoids together control asthma in ∼95% of affected individuals, although symptoms return after treatment is stopped. Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) scarcely influences the natural course of the disease. Neither long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) nor glucocorticoids alone significantly influence the course of COPD. Recent evidence suggests that a combination of the two therapies is more promising: It can decrease the exacerbation rates in severe COPD and may also decrease mortality.

Section editors:Roy Goldie – Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, AustraliaPeter Henry – School of Medicine & Phamacology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia