[Treatment strategies for asthma].

Asthma is characterized by variable and reversible airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness due to chronic airway inflammation. Asthma treatment is based on the patients' asthma control status. Central to treatment recommendations is anti-inflammatory therapy with inhaled corticosteroids plus a rapid-acting β(2)-agonist as required. If this is not sufficient to achieve at least partial asthma control, the dose of the inhaled corticosteroid should be increased and a long-acting β(2)-agonist should be added. Other controllers, such as leukotriene antagonists or slow-release theophylline are alternative or additive options. Systemic treatment with corticosteroids and/or the monoclonal anti-IgE antibody omalizumab are reserved for patients with severe asthma. Strategies aimed at preventing airway irritation, reducing exposure to exogenous allergens and inhaled irritants as well as asthma education are other key elements of asthma management.