Abstract

ROLE OF B2 ADRENERGIC AGONISTS AND ANTIHISTAMINICS IN ASTHMA: AN OVERVIEW

Shiv Kumar*, Lal Ratnakar Singh and Brijesh Sharma

ABSTRACT

Bronchial asthma is characterised by hyperresponsiveness of tracheobronchial smooth muscleto a variety of stimuli, resulting in narrowing of air tubes, often accompanied by increased secretion, mucosal edema and mucus plugging. Chronic inflammation may lead to structural changes in the airways, including an increase in the number and size of airway smooth muscle cells, blood vessels, and mucus-secreting cells. Asthma affects over 5-10% of population in industrialized countries. Asthma can be caused by Allergies, Respiratory Infections and Irritants. Asthma can be diagnosed by breathing tests called a pulmonary function test or spirometry test. Inhaled β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists are considered essential bronchodilator drugs in the treatment of bronchial asthma, both as symptoms-relievers and, in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, as disease-controllers. β2 agonists are characterized as Short acting, Long acting and Ultra long acting Drugs. Antihistamines block the actions of histamine and also have effects on inflammation which is independent of histamine-H(1)-receptor antagonism. Antihistamines have been shown to have bronchodilatory effects. Antihistamines have also been shown to delay or prevent the development of asthma. In this article asthma and its treatment by beta 2 agonists and antihistaminic drugs are reviewed.

Keywords: Asthma, antiasthmatic drugs, asthma diagnosis.