Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Small Airways in Newly Diagnosed Asthmatic Patients by Using Impulse Oscillometry

Abstract

sthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity, together with variable expiratory airflow limitation (GINA, 2015). The diagnosis of asthma requires a history or current presence of respiratory signs and symptoms consistent with asthma, combined with the objective demonstration of variable airflow obstruction. Variable airflow obstruction means that the obstruction is not necessarily present at all times, varying with time, exposure to asthma triggers and treatment. A good response to asthma treatment in a patient with a typical history of asthma supports a diagnosis of asthma.1 However, objective confirmation of the variable airflow obstruction characteristic of asthma, using spirometry or peak expiratory flow monitoring, is required, especially for patients whose response to treatment is suboptimal or whose symptoms are not highly suggestive of asthma (Bateman et al., 2008). Systemic corticosteroids given early in the course of treatment of acute asthma exacerbations in the ED were overall shown to be effective and are recommended by different asthma guidelines like GINA and (Expert Panel Report 3) EPR3.