Inhaled bronchodilators are used in acute asthma for relief of airway obstruction. Continuous monotherapy with ß2 adrenergic can increase hyperresponsiveness because these drugs do not control inflammation.Asthma mortality and morbidity have been related to an increased ß2-agonists use. Epidemiologic data however do not show a cause/effect relationship. Until controversies are cleared on, ß2-agonists should be used for relieving acute asthma attacks, for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm and eventually on an as needed basis. Long acting ß2-agonists can be effective in moderate/severe asthma.Daily short acting ß2 use by inhalation, a partial clinical response and its overuse in acute asthma suggest the need for antiinflammatory treatment.
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