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Evidence summaries

Regular Vs. as-Needed Inhaled Short Acting Beta2-Agonist Use in Asthma

There is no clinical advantage of using inhaled short acting beta-2 agonist drugs regularly rather than only when needed to relieve asthma symptoms. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 31 studies. There was little difference between the treatments of nearly all outcomes. In cross-over studies, evening peak flow was better with regular treatment, WMD 13.1 L/min (95% CI 24.3 to 1.9). In contrast, the FEV1 was better with as-needed treatment (WMD 157 ml, 95% CI 123 to 192). Bronchial hyperreactivity was slightly better in the as-needed group (SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.12).

    References

    • Walters EH, Walters J. Inhaled short acting beta2-agonist use in chronic asthma: regular versus as needed treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(2):CD001285. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords