The role of tiotropium in the management of asthma
10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.2.109
- Author:
Heung Woo PARK
1
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Korea. guinea71@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Anticholinergics;
Asthma;
Bronchodilators;
Tiotropium
- MeSH:
Airway Obstruction;
Asthma;
Bronchodilator Agents;
Cholinergic Antagonists;
Inflammation;
Muscle, Smooth;
Tiotropium Bromide
- From:
Asia Pacific Allergy
2012;2(2):109-114
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction that is secondary to an allergic inflammation and excessive smooth muscle contraction. Cholinergic signals were known to contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of asthma. However, the use of anti-cholinergic agents in asthma has been justified only in acute asthma exacerbations, until tiotropium bromide, a long-acting anti-cholinergic agent was introduced. Recent reports showing a promising role of tiotropium in the treatment of asthma have aroused interest of the use of anti-cholinergic agent for the management of asthma. This report describes pharmacological characteristics, potential effects on inflammatory cells, and the current status of tiotropium in the treatment of asthma.
