A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed findings on asthma treatments. The research highlights that combination therapies, specifically ICS-SABA and ICS-Formoterol, are more effective than SABA-only treatments. This data was presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston.
The study focused on reliever inhalers used by asthma patients to alleviate symptoms such as dyspnea, wheezing, or cough. These inhalers include bronchodilator-only relievers like short-acting beta agonists (SABA), albuterol, or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with either SABA or formoterol. A systematic comparison of these three types of inhaled asthma reliever therapies was conducted through a network meta-analysis involving 27 randomized clinical trials with 50,496 children and adults with asthma.
The results indicated that anti-inflammatory relievers containing ICS reduced severe asthma exacerbations and improved symptom control compared to SABA alone. Additionally, ICS-formoterol relievers were found to be more effective than ICS-SABA relievers in reducing severe exacerbations. The benefits varied depending on the risk level for severe exacerbations, with smaller improvements observed in lower-risk populations.
These findings underscore the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory relievers—ICS-SABA and ICS-formoterol—over SABA-alone relievers, which only address symptom relief without tackling underlying inflammation.
This data will contribute to an upcoming asthma guideline from the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters—a collaboration between the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
The ACAAI is a professional organization comprising over 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals. Founded in 1942 and based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, it aims to promote patient care, education, advocacy, and research among its members.
For further information about allergies and asthma treatment options provided by board-certified ACAAI allergists-immunologists trained in diagnosing allergies and administering immunotherapy, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and X/Twitter.
