Question 1. Are inhaled corticosteroids effective in the chronic management of asthma?

From Chapter 6 of the Philippine Consensus Report on Asthma 2004 by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians.
This guideline starts below.

Are inhaled corticosteroids effective in the chronic management of asthma?

Answer

Yes. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay therapy for persistent asthma.

Summary of Evidence

Long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids suppresses the disease by affecting the underlying airway inflammation. Several studies demonstrate that inhaled corticosteroids are effective in reducing symptoms and exacerbations, improving lung function, and decreasing the need for bronchodilator rescue therapy. A reduction of airway inflammation, manifested both by airway histology findings and improved airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), has also been demonstrated.

The outcome parameter responding most rapidly to the initiation of inhaled corticosteroids is symptom relief. The PEF values improve more gradually, while improvement in AHR may continue over many months or even years.